In short. DOC since 1979, red and rosé, from grapes grown at Brindisi and Mesagne. At least 70% Negroamaro, and a close relative of Salice Salentino — the two share most of their character and half their growing country.
One of the Adriatic Salento denominations: less exported than Salice Salentino, made from the same grape, and usually cheaper for the same quality.
The zone and the grapes
Negroamaro for at least 70%. The other 30% may be Malvasia Nera di Brindisi, Susumaniello, Montepulciano or Sangiovese, alone or blended — though Sangiovese cannot exceed 10%.
The riserva must be aged at least two years and reach 12.5%.
The zone runs inland from the port of Brindisi, on the flat land towards Mesagne.
Brindisi Rosso
- Colour: ruby, turning to bright orange tones with age
- Nose: deep
- Palate: velvety, dry, harmonious, with a slight bitter finish
- Alcohol: 12%
- Serve at: 18–20 °C, medium tulip glass
At the table: pasta with beans, first courses with ragù, stewed meat, aged cheese. The riserva with grilled meat, game and strong cheese.
Brindisi Rosato
- Colour: coral pink, sometimes a soft burgundy
- Nose: fruity and delicate
- Serve at: 14–15 °C, medium tulip glass
At the table: starters, sauces, fish soup, chicken, rabbit, fresh cheese.
The denomination that won at Vinitaly. Brindisi DOC is not a name that travels, which makes what happened in 2007 worth knowing: the Cantina Due Palme took the Gran Medaglia d’Oro at Vinitaly with it — the top award at Italy’s main wine fair, won by a cooperative from a denomination almost nobody outside Puglia could name.
The grape behind it: Primitivo and Negroamaro. More on the wines of Puglia.
