Castel del Monte Rosso Riserva DOCG

The Castel del Monte Rosso Riserva DOCG zone centers on Minervino Murge and extends partially into Andria, Corato, Trani, Ruvo, Terlizzi, Bitonto, Palo del Colle, and Toritto in the Murgia Centrale plateau of Puglia. Vineyards sit at elevations of 400-500 meters above sea level, which moderates the intense southern Italian heat. The climate is Mediterranean with hot, dry summers, mild winters, and approximately 300 sunny days per year, providing ideal conditions for the late-ripening Uva di Troia grape.

• Production centered on Minervino Murge in the Murgia Centrale
• Elevations of 400-500 meters moderate summer heat
• Around 300 sunny days annually with hot, dry summers
• Part of the zone falls within the Alta Murgia Natural Park

The soils of the Castel del Monte zone are predominantly limestone and clay loam, known locally as calcareo argilloso di medio impasto. These well-draining, mineral-rich soils suit the Uva di Troia variety well. Uva di Troia is a late-ripening, difficult-to-cultivate grape that demands specific climatic conditions to reach full maturity. Its challenging nature in the vineyard is one reason DOCG-level production remains concentrated in the most suitable sites within the broader appellation.

• Limestone and clay loam soils (calcareo argilloso di medio impasto)
• Well-draining mineral soils suit the Uva di Troia variety
• Uva di Troia is late-ripening and demanding to cultivate
• Site selection is critical for achieving full maturity

Castel del Monte Rosso Riserva must be based on a minimum of 65% Uva di Troia, also known as Nero di Troia. Up to 35% of other approved red varieties, including Montepulciano and Aglianico, may be blended in. The wines display deep ruby to garnet color and offer aromas of dark fruits, plums, and berries alongside spices, licorice, and balsamic notes. Firm tannins and good acidity give these wines structure and aging potential, with extended aging revealing tertiary aromas and greater complexity.

• Minimum 65% Uva di Troia (Nero di Troia) required
• Montepulciano and Aglianico permitted up to 35%
• Deep ruby to garnet color with dark fruit, spice, and balsamic aromas
• Firm tannins and good acidity support long aging potential

The name Castel del Monte references the remarkable 13th-century octagonal castle commissioned by Holy Roman Emperor Frederick II, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Puglia's most recognizable landmarks. The region's wine tradition extends back many centuries, documented in monastic archives and the collections of the Museo Jatta. The first recorded description of the Uva di Troia grape dates to 1877. In 2011, the Castel del Monte Rosso Riserva was elevated to DOCG status alongside two other Castel del Monte expressions, recognizing the quality potential of this distinctive zone.

• Named after Frederick II's 13th-century octagonal castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Wine tradition documented in monastic archives and the Museo Jatta
• First recorded description of Uva di Troia dates to 1877
• Elevated to DOCG in 2011, one of three Castel del Monte DOCGs

The DOCG regulations set strict standards that distinguish the Riserva from the broader DOC wines. A minimum of 2 years total aging is required, with at least 1 of those years spent in oak barrels. Minimum alcohol must reach 13.0%, and the maximum grape-to-wine conversion yield is capped at 70%. These requirements ensure concentration and structure consistent with the Riserva designation and the DOCG tier.

• Minimum 2 years total aging, with at least 1 year in oak
• Minimum 13.0% alcohol by volume
• Maximum 70% grape-to-wine yield
• DOCG is Italy's highest classification tier