Author(s):
Percy H. Dougherty* - Kutztown University of Pennsylvania
Abstract:
Apulia or Puglia is located in the extreme southeast of Italy extending along the east coast from the Promontorio del Gargano in the north to the Salento Peninsula, often called the Spike or heel of the boot, in the south. If Apulia were a country, it would be the sixth largest producer of wine in the world. Known for its production of Primitivo, Negroamaro, Malvasia Nera, Aglianico and many other grape varieties, not grown widely elsewhere, Apulia has had a reputation of quantity rather than quality. Many of the grapes are throwbacks to the early Greek settlements that once covered this area. The impact of zonazione, the Italian equivalent to terroir, is well illustrated. This is an area that differs from the stereotypical Italian wine district in that it is an area of low relief with very arid conditions caused by its windward location on the mountainous peninsula. Great changes have occurred in recent years that differentiate Apulia from other Italian regions including the development of extensive vineyard holdings in which agribusiness produces huge amounts of wine in large, modern, technologically advanced wineries. Changes in the viticultural practices and the type of wines produced are also explored.
