The Negroamaro grape variety is typical of the sunny lands of the Apulia region and is used to produce one of the symbols of southern Italy. Its name, composed from the Latin adjective "niger" and the ancient Greek "mavros", reveals its essence and origin. It was probably introduced to the south of Italy by the Greeks and then spread throughout Apulia thanks to its unique and highly appreciated characteristics: a purplish-black colour, a thick, tough skin and sweet, juicy flesh. The red wine that is obtained from it, characterised by an impenetrable garnet colour, ethereal scents and a round and slightly bitter taste, can assume different names depending on the production area, such as Salice Salentino, which is a warm and velvety expression of the Salento territory.
The Negroamaro grape variety is typical of the sunny lands of the Apulia region and is used to produce one of the symbols of southern Italy. Its name, composed from the Latin adjective "niger" and the ancient Greek "mavros", reveals its essence and origin. It was probably introduced to the south of Italy by the Greeks and then spread throughout Apulia thanks to its unique and highly appreciated characteristics: a purplish-black colour, a thick, tough skin and sweet, juicy flesh. The red wine that is obtained from it, characterised by an impenetrable garnet colour, ethereal scents and a round and slightly bitter taste, can assume different names depending on the production area, such as Salice Salentino, which is a warm and velvety expression of the Salento territory.
One of the most famous and important expressions of Apulia winemaking, this Mediterranean grape variety has fascinated historians and ampelographers for years, who have provided all their resources and knowledge to help trace its origins.
Its very name, Negroamaro, has also been a source of debate among wine enthusiasts, to the point of sparking off a real 'treasure hunt' in the hope of one day defining its origins. For now, two hypotheses have been suggested on the origin of its name, which have not yet been confirmed but are the most credible.
It is interesting to note that in many historical documents written by 19th century authors, it is referred to by the single name "amaro" (bitter), which has been separated from the prefix "negro", to recall its typical astringency due to its intense tannins. It would appear that its current name was coined in modern times.
However, this idea also deserves further investigation. The first and most reliable hypothesis is that its name was generated from two ancient terms from the classical world: "mavro" from Greek and "niger" from Latin, both meaning black, which were used to identify its dark and impenetrable coat.
A second hypothesis is that its name was created by combining two terms from the regional dialect: 'niuru' and 'maru', black and bitter, which were used to describe its visual and taste characteristics.
The earliest records dating back to the 19th century outline its profile, describing its grapes as black, dark, with clusters similar to olives and plums, giving birth to a textured, alcoholic and fragrant red wine. This was the first ancient version of what would later become the famous Negroamaro IGT, known and appreciated extensively to this day.
The various nicknames by which it was known in the Salento municipalities, such as 'Albese', 'Abruzzese', 'Jonico' and 'Purcinara', add further confusion to the story. In short, although its ancient history is lost in the mists of time, it is now one of the Italian wines that best represents the warm and sunny soul of southern Italy, to the extent that it has also lent its name to one of Italy's most famous musical groups.
It is cultivated throughout the Salento region, from the provinces of Lecce and Brindisi to those of Bari and Taranto. In previous years it was often used as a blending grape, able, thanks to its high sugar content, to enrich and "warm up" the profile of other northern grape varieties. In Apulia it gives rise, together with its sister Malvasia Nera, to the famous Salice Salentino DOC.
Following the modern rediscovery of this variety, it is now also vinified in purity. This is how Negroamaro Puglia was born, a well-rounded and warm red wine, with a dark and intense colour, not very transparent, tending towards purplish black and with a wide and complex aromatic profile.
Scents of Mediterranean bush, black berry fruit, wet earth, carob and black olives emerge in succession and are supported by warm and enveloping marine breezes. The bouquet is a panorama of the Salento area, where the land is rich in olive trees and orchards and slowly descends towards the deep blue sea.
On the palate it expresses all its warmth and intensity with a rich, full and slightly bitter and tannic taste. Salt, sun and substance are fused in a solid body that carries the sip into a long taste-olfactory persistence. Among the most representative regional names are Negroamaro Cantele, Masseria Maime by Tormaresca, Il Capoposto by Alberto Longo and Angiuli.
In the younger versions, Negroamaro wine pairs well with orecchiette pasta with turnip tops or stuffed aubergines. It also goes well with more complex regional combinations, such as grilled lamb, meatballs with sauce, gnumarelli and veal rolls with black olives.
Discover the Negroamaro prices, characteristics and pairings on the detailed product sheets created by Callmewine. Buy the best red wine for your every need at the best price and impress your guests with the wines for sale on our online wine shop.