Nero di Troia

What Is Nero di Troia?

Nero di Troia is a red grape of northern Puglia, grown mainly in the Castel del Monte area, around Barletta and Andria, and in the province of Foggia. It makes deep-coloured, structured reds with black cherry, plum, violet and spice, and is the main grape of the Castel del Monte red DOCGs.

It is also called Uva di Troia. The name is often linked to the town of Troia, in the province of Foggia. Another story ties it to the Greek hero Diomedes, who, according to legend, brought vines to Puglia after the Trojan War. Neither origin is proven. For a long time Nero di Troia was used mainly in blends or sold in bulk. Since the 1990s producers in the north of the region have bottled it on its own, and it is now seen as one of Puglia's most elegant reds.

Where Nero di Troia Grows

• Castel del Monte: the Murge hills around Andria, Corato and Minervino Murge, near the castle of Frederick II. The soils are limestone and the climate is a little cooler than in southern Puglia.
• Barletta and the Ofanto valley: close to the coast, in the province of Barletta-Andria-Trani.
• Province of Foggia: the Tavoliere plain and the hills around Lucera and Troia.

Nero di Troia and Italian Denominations

• Castel del Monte Rosso Riserva DOCG: a red based mainly on Nero di Troia, aged for at least two years before release.
• Castel del Monte Nero di Troia Riserva DOCG: a varietal Nero di Troia Riserva.
• Castel del Monte DOC: includes red, rosé and varietal Nero di Troia wines.
• Cacc'e Mmitte di Lucera DOC: a red blend from the province of Foggia, with Nero di Troia as a key grape.
• Puglia IGT: widely used for varietal wines and blends.

Flavor Profile and Tasting Notes

• Fruit: black cherry, plum, blackberry and blueberry.
• Other notes: violet, black pepper, liquorice, tobacco and, with age, leather.
• Structure: medium to full body, deep colour, firm tannins and fresh acidity.

Nero di Troia is more tannic and less jammy than Primitivo and Negroamaro, the grapes of southern Puglia. Young wines can be firm. Riserva wines aged in oak are smoother and can age for ten years or more.

Food Pairing

• Lamb: roast or grilled lamb and lamb stew.
• Pasta: orecchiette or cavatelli with meat ragù.
• Grilled meat: bombette (Puglian pork rolls), sausages and beef.
• Braised dishes: beef and game stews.
• Cheese: aged caciocavallo and pecorino.

How to Choose and Where to Start

Start with a Castel del Monte Nero di Troia or a varietal Puglia IGT, then try a Castel del Monte Rosso Riserva for a more structured wine. Producers worth knowing include Torrevento, Rivera, Villa Schinosa, Alberto Longo, Paolo Petrilli and Donato Angiuli.

Nero di Troia is the main red of northern Puglia, while Primitivo and Negroamaro lead in the south. Fans of firm southern reds may also like Aglianico. Read our best Puglia wines, the best Italian red wines, or browse the grape varieties index.