Cristiano Guttarolo Amphora XXI Vino Bianco

Cantine Cristiano Guttarolo is located outside the charming town of Gioia del Colle (Jewel of the Colle) in the former stables of an old farmhouse (masseria) constructed entirely of local stone. Situated on the Murge plateau in Puglia, about 400 meters above sea level, the winery, founded in 2004, is certified organic by Ecocert. Natural principles are followed throughout the winemaking process, including using vegetable fertilizers in the vineyards.

Primary fermentation occurs spontaneously through the use of indigenous yeasts. The wines are macerated on the skins for 14-18 days, and, with the exception of the amphora wine, malolactic fermentation occurs spontaneously in the spring. Malolactic fermentation begins for the Amphora wine while the wine is still in contact with the skins.
These wines stand in stark contrast to the ripe and often clunky Primitivo di Manduria bottled on the plains to the north. These are elegant examples of Primitivo that are authentic representations of each specific vintage.

Puglia, often referred to as the "heel" of Italy's boot, boasts a rich and ancient winemaking history that dates back over 2,000 years. The region's viticultural roots can be traced to the ancient Greeks, who introduced the art of winemaking. Over the centuries, Puglia's wines gained prominence, especially during the Roman era when they were highly prized and widely exported. The Middle Ages saw the establishment of monastic vineyards, which played a pivotal role in refining winemaking techniques. By the 20th century, Puglia had become one of Italy's most prolific wine-producing regions, although it was often associated with bulk wine production. However, there has been a significant shift towards quality over quantity in recent decades, with many Puglian wineries now producing world-class wines that reflect the region's unique terroir and traditions.

Geographically, Puglia stretches along Italy's southeastern coast, bordered by the Adriatic and Ionian Seas. Its long coastline, flat plains, and rolling hills provide an ideal landscape for viticulture. The region is divided into several wine-producing areas, including Salento, Taranto, Bari, and Foggia. Each of these areas has its own distinct microclimate and soil composition, contributing to the diversity of Puglia's wines.

Puglia's terroir is characterized by its Mediterranean climate, with hot summers and mild winters, making it perfect for grape cultivation. The region benefits from the cooling sea breezes, which help to moderate temperatures and retain acidity in the grapes. The soil composition varies across regions, with limestone, clay, and sandy soils dominating. This diverse soil profile, combined with the climate, allows for the production of wines with a wide range of flavor profiles and characteristics. The abundant sunshine ensures that grapes achieve optimal ripeness, leading to often robust and full-bodied wines.

Puglia is home to many indigenous grape varieties, many of which are not found elsewhere. The most iconic grape of the region is Primitivo, known for producing powerful, fruit-forward red wines with notes of blackberry, plum, and spice. Another key red grape is Negroamaro, which translates to "black and bitter", reflecting its deep color and unique flavor profile. Uva di Troia and Susumaniello are other notable red varietals.

Verdeca and Bianco d'Alessano are prominent on the white wine front, producing aromatic wines with hints of citrus and floral notes. Additionally, Puglia is known for its rosé wines, particularly those made from the Negroamaro grape.

Puglian cuisine is as diverse and rich as its wines. Given its coastal location, seafood dishes are prevalent, and they pair beautifully with the region's crisp white wines. For instance, grilled fish or seafood pasta would be a perfect match for a glass of Verdeca. The robust reds, like Primitivo, complement hearty dishes such as lamb stew, grilled meats, and traditional pasta dishes like orecchiette with ragù. The slightly bitter undertones of Negroamaro wines make them an ideal pairing for dishes with a hint of bitterness, such as broccoli rabe or grilled radicchio.

• Puglia is often called the "wine cellar of Europe" due to its prolific wine production in the past.
• The Primitivo grape has a twin in the United States: it's genetically identical to the Zinfandel grape, a popular varietal in California.
• The region's traditional conical stone huts, known as trulli, are not only UNESCO World Heritage sites but are also sometimes used as wine cellars by local producers.
• Puglia boasts some of the world's oldest olive trees; alongside its wines, the region is renowned for its high-quality olive oil.