 |
 rom the geographical standpoint, Gioia del Colle is a small cluster of whitewashed buildings surrounding an attractive castle. In terms of enology, it is the name of one of the best-known wines of Apulia that is produced in several communes of the province of Bari, the regional capital.The castle overlooking Gioia del Colle, which was erected in 1230 at the orders of Emperor Frederick II, is also well known because of a somewhat bizarre legend associated with it. In the crypt below one of its towers there are two protuberances of stone that are said to represent the breasts of Bianca Lancia, Frederick's unfortunate mistress who, in an act of utter desperation, mutilated herself after having been unjustly accused of betraying the monarch. Gioia del Colle Rosso and Rosato wines must be made at least 50 per cent from Primitivo (but the Gioia del Colle Primitivo must be made with 100 per cent of this variety). The cultivation of Primitivo became widely diffused throughout Apulia in the 17th century through the efforts of Benedictine monks. But it was at Gioia di Colle, above all, that the monks found the most favorable conditions for the growth of this generous variety. Over the years, Primitivo became increasingly popular with growers so that it was introduced in the province of Taranto in the late 19th century.
Since few years the DOC Gioia del Colle allows the production of two wines traditional of the area, Gioia del Colle Bianco, made at least 50 per cent from Trebbiano toscano, and Aleatico Dolce, a typical Apulian sweet and liqueur wine obtained from the Aleatico di Puglia grape produced in most parts of Apulia, although output is greatest in this area and on the Salentine peninsula.
|
Consorzio Tutela Vini Gravina e Gioia del Colle
Via Fratelli Cervi, 12
70024 Gravina in Puglia (BA)
ITALY
phone: (+39) 080/3265865
fax: (+39) 080/3269026
web: www.murgiadelvino.it
|
|
Appellation's
Quality Info
DOC Map
Varieties
Types
Region of
Production
Apulia
Regional Wines
Regional Foods
|
