The colour is a medium garnet. On the nose, black cherries and blueberry jam emerge clearly. On the palate, the wine is smooth and pleasant, though somewhat restrained in flavour intensity. The palate is more austere than the bouquet, which creates an intriguing contrast. The finish is of medium length.
This varietal Nero di Troia is produced by Decanto in Troia, in the northwestern part of Puglia, just across the Apennine Mountains from Campania.
Nero di Troia carries a legendary history. Tradition links the grape’s origins to the ancient city of Troy, suggesting it was brought to southern Italy by Greek colonists or by the mythical hero Diomedes after the Trojan War. While this story leans more toward legend than documented fact, it has long shaped the identity of the variety.
According to another legend, its arrival in Puglia is linked to the Spanish rule and the arrival in the area of Troia of Governor Don Alfonso D’Avalos. It is said that he planted a few vines there after recognizing soil and climate conditions similar to those of the regions where he came from. However, this theory, which suggests that Uva di Troia may descend from the Spanish Tempranillo, has never been properly substantiated.
Historically, Nero di Troia was cultivated around Troia and across the Daunian hills, valued for its resilience and its ability to produce structured wines suited to ageing. For much of the 20th century, however, it remained in the background, often blended with other grapes or used to add body and colour to more commercial bottlings.
Only in recent decades has Nero di Troia been rediscovered and vinified on its own terms, emerging as one of Puglia’s most distinctive native varieties. Today it stands not just as a grape, but as a bridge between myth, rural tradition, and a renewed focus on regional identity in southern Italian wine.
I bought and drank this bottle in Troia itself, during my walk from Benevento to Brindisi, part of My Way from Canterbury to Jerusalem. I paid 15 EUR directly from the producer. Online it sells for 28 EUR. It is certified organic (bio).
Country: Italy
Region: Puglia
Grapes: Nero di Troia
Type: Red
Vintage: 2016
Producer: Decanto
Price range: Medium (15-30 US$)
Pascal’s Enjoyment Index: 2/5