Description
Puglia is famous for being Italy’s sun-soaked south, and a great destination for ripe red wines. But dig a little deeper and you’ll find a host of authentic, delicious local wines that hardly ever leave the tiny regions they’re made in – like Notte di Scintille.
One of these tiny regions is San Severo, a sleepy Italian town far off the tourism trails. But every third Sunday of May, the streets erupt with colour and fireworks for La Festa del Soccorso – a celebration of their patron saint – and the town’s trattorias are filled with people raising a glass of the pride-and-joy local red.
Despite being the very first officially designated quality subregion of Puglia, San Severo’s wines are rarely seen outside of the town itself. But with the help of winemaking legend Leonardo Palumbo, a knowledgeable and passionate champion of Puglia’s lesser-known regions, you have the chance to try this local gem. He makes Notte di Scintille (‘Night of Sparks’ in English) using select parcels from San Severo’s best grapes, mostly Montepulciano, which thrives in northern Puglia, and splashes of Merlot and Nero de Troi.
The result is signature Puglian charm and richness, balanced by juicy red berry freshness.
A delightful red to accompany a good steak, roasted game or even with mature cheeses. This really is one of Italy’s best-kept secrets.
