The Wines
DOC means “Denominazione Origine Controllata” (Controlled Designation of Origin) and represents a guarantee, which indicates only quality wines. This recognition for a wine clarifies the origins, territorial provenance and the traditions of the place.
The Castel del Monte DOC wine is produced in three types: white, red and rosé. The red comes mainly from the grapevine Uva di Troia, also called Uva della Marina (Grape of the Coast), because it is grown with great success on the coast of several municipalities north of Bari. The name of this vine originates from Troia, a small town in the province of Foggia, and in the composition of the principal DOC wines of Bari and Foggia.
The white type is obtained from the Pampanuto vine, also known as Pampanino, whose culture is limited to the areas of Corato and Ruvo di Puglia. Since the last century, it was known as Pampanuto of Terlizzi, from the homonymous village in the province of Bari, where it was widely cultivated.
The rosé type of Castel del Monte is mainly obtained from vines called Bombino Nero. The bunch of grapes that ripen are medium-sized, with a very unique pyramid shape, which inspired the vision of a child with outstretched arms: from this, in fact, comes the name Bambino and then Bombino.
Instead, the noblest and oldest wine typical of Apulia is the Moscato di Trani.
This wine, a DOC, was established by a Presidential Decree of 11th September 1974, it is produced in Trani and in a vast area located nearby and that includes 11 other municipalities. It is made from grapes left to ripen until almost withered, from the White Muscat grape variety (here in Apulia it is often called Moscato di Trani or Moscato Reale) in a proportion which cannot be less than 85%. Other grapes can be added but at a percentage not exceeding 15%. Two types are produced: the dolce (sweet) and the liquoroso (liqueur). The first has a golden yellow color with an intense aroma, sweet taste, velvety with an alcohol content of 12.5 °. The second, the liqueur, is aged for at least one year and has an alcohol content of 18 °, with the same organoleptic characteristics as the first. Both should be served in a dessert glass at 10-12 °C.
The wines of the Road at the table
The Castel del Monte DOC, with its varieties, is a very versatile wine that can be consumed in various ways and occasions. The Castel del Monte DOC Rosso Riserva, for example, is a wine that is served with structured preparations such as roast mutton and baked poultry, braised red meats, flavorful hard cheeses. Serve at a temperature of 16-18 ° C in goblets for full-bodied, tannic red wines. The White version is paired with light hors d’oeuvres, pasta dishes with light sauces or with fish, sautéed cuttlefish and octopus, fried dishes and fresh dairy products; it should be served at a temperature between 10 and 12 degrees, in a flared wine glass that allows the concentration of aromas and convey flavors to the sides of the tongue. The Rosato (rosé), instead, should be savored with spicy salami, pasta dishes with meat sauces, pork or lamb and aged sheep cheese, enhanced if served in a wide and open goblet.
The Moscato is, by contrast, a very well-known sweet wine suitable for accompanying desserts typical of the region, especially the biscuits with almonds, or for drinking along with the fresh fruit salad.
Disciplinari di produzione
Disciplinare di produzione del vino DOC Castel del Monte
Disciplinare di produzione del vino DOCG Castel del Monte Bombino Nero
Disciplinare di produzione del vino DOCG Castel del Monte Nero di Troia Riserva
Disciplinare di produzione del vino DOCG Castel del Monte Rosso Riserva
