The Castel del Monte DOC covers the Murge plateau between the provinces of Barletta-Andria-Trani and Bari, in Apulia, and takes its name from the castle that dominates the area. Recognised by the decree of 19 May 1971, in 2011 it absorbed the Rosso Canosa DOC; in the same year three of its styles became DOCGs in their own right: Bombino Nero, Nero di Troia Riserva and Rosso Riserva. Today the DOC has about 304 hectares and an output of 21,630 hectolitres.
Reds and rosés
The Rosso is made from Aglianico, Montepulciano and Uva di Troia in any proportion, with other red grapes up to 35%. The red varietals, with at least 90% of the grape, are Aglianico, Cabernet, from Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon, and Nero di Troia. Aglianico and Cabernet may be Riserva, with at least two years of ageing, one of them in cask, and release from 1 November of the second year. There is also a Novello.
The Rosato combines Aglianico, Bombino Nero and Uva di Troia, and may also be frizzante or sparkling; there is also an Aglianico Rosato. Nero di Troia gives deep-coloured reds with aromas of dark fruit, violet and spice and firm tannin; Bombino Nero gives fresh, fragrant rosés.
Whites and sparkling wines
The Bianco is made from Bombino Bianco, Chardonnay and Pampanuto, locally called Pampanino, with other white grapes up to 35%. There are also the varietals Bombino Bianco, Chardonnay and Sauvignon, each with at least 90% of the grape, and the white sparkling wines. The appellation's minimum alcohol is 10.5%.
At the table
The whites go with raw seafood, vegetables and dairy such as burrata; the rosés with orecchiette with turnip tops, focaccia and cured meats; the reds with baked lamb, grilled meat and aged cheeses. Further south, also in the province of Bari, lies the Gioia del Colle DOC, home of Primitivo.
