The Valle d'Itria is the plateau of the southern Murgia, in Puglia, famous for its trulli, dry-stone walls and the white towns of Alberobello, Locorotondo, Cisternino and Martina Franca. It is cooler and windier than the rest of the region, and has therefore always been suited to white wines. The Valle d'Itria typical geographical indication, created in 1995, covers the provinces of Bari, Brindisi and Taranto, with about 138 registered hectares and an output of 4,340 hectolitres.
An IGT for all Puglia's grapes
Bianco, Rosato and Rosso may use the grapes permitted in the three provinces in any proportion, including frizzante or medium-sweet versions. When a grape name appears on the label, at least 85% of that grape is required; two grapes may also be named, the first at 50 to 85% and the second at 15 to 50%. Minimum alcohol is 9.5% and there is no minimum ageing.
The valley's grapes
Among the whites the list includes the area's historic grapes, such as Verdeca, Bianco d'Alessano, Minutolo, Maresco, Marchione and Bombino Bianco, together with Fiano, Greco, Malvasia, Chardonnay and others. Among the reds there are Primitivo, Negroamaro, Susumaniello, Ottavianello, Malvasia Nera, Uva di Troia, Aglianico and several international varieties.
The range is very broad: besides still wines there are white, rosé and red Spumanti, wines from overripe grapes, that is late-harvest wines, and white and red Passito.
Fresh whites of the South
The valley's whites, especially from Verdeca, Bianco d'Alessano and Minutolo, are light, fresh and fragrant, with notes of flowers, citrus and aromatic herbs: wines for aperitifs, raw seafood, orecchiette with turnip tops and fresh cheeses such as burrata. The reds go with bombette, cured meats and grilled meat. Further north, in the province of Foggia, Puglia has another historic appellation: San Severo.
