Apulia

DOC for a wide range of mostly dry red, rosé and white wines in the wine-growing region of Apulia in Italy. The zone includes the entire community of Minervino Murge as well as parts of the communes of Andria, Binetto, Bitonto, Corato, Palo del Colle, Ruvo di Puglia, Terlizzi, Toritto and Trani in the province of Bari. The name is derived from the octagonal castle with eight towers built in 1240 by the Hohenstaufen emperor Frederick II. (1194–1250), which is located on a hill close to Bari. The varietal wines must contain at least 90% of the variety stated, the remainder can be made up of permitted varieties of the same colour. These include Aglianico (also made as a Riserva), Aglianico Rosato, Bombino Bianco, Bombino Nero, Cabernet (Cabernet Franc and/or Cabernet Sauvignon – also made as a Riserva), Chardonnay, Pinot Bianco, Sauvignon and Uva di Troia (also made as a Riserva). The white wines and the Rosato are also available as Frizzantes. The Bianco is a blend of any of the varieties Pampanuto = Pampanino, Bombino Bianco and Chardonnay (65-100%), as well as possibly other permitted white varieties (up to 35%). Rosso (also made as a Novello) and Rosato are made from any combination of Uva di Troia, Aglianico and Bombino Nero (65-100%), as well as possibly from other permitted red varieties (up to 35%). If it has a minimum alcohol content of 12,5% vol and has been matured for a minimum of two years (of which one year in barrel), the Rosso may be called Riserva.