Rosso di Cerignola DOC

Rosso di Cerignola DOC sits in the northern reaches of Puglia within the Province of Foggia. The appellation spans the municipalities of Cerignola, Stornara, Stornarella, and part of Ascoli Satriano, all located in the Ofanto Valley in the Lower Tavoliere plain. The city of Cerignola itself has deep historical roots, serving as an important Phoenician trading post in pre-Roman times and being rebuilt following a major earthquake in 1731.

• Province of Foggia, northern Puglia
• Ofanto Valley, Lower Tavoliere
• Four municipalities: Cerignola, Stornara, Stornarella, and part of Ascoli Satriano
• Olive groves dominate the landscape, with vineyards increasingly important

The zone experiences a classic Mediterranean climate, hot and dry with an average annual temperature of approximately 20°C, making it around 4.8% warmer than the Italian average. The soils are predominantly limestone with a high albedo, meaning they reflect significant sunlight back onto the vines. This reflective quality is comparable to the famous albariza soils of Jerez in southern Spain, concentrating solar energy around the grape clusters and influencing ripening.

• Mediterranean climate; hot and dry conditions
• Average annual temperature approximately 20°C
• Limestone soils with high reflective (albedo) capacity
• Solar reflection comparable to albariza soils in Jerez, Spain

Uva di Troia, also called Nero di Troia, is the backbone of the appellation, required at a minimum of 55% in every blend. Negroamaro plays a secondary but significant role, permitted between 15% and 30%. A range of additional varieties, including Sangiovese, Barbera, Montepulciano, Malbec, and even Trebbiano Toscano, may each contribute up to 15% of the blend. This broad regulatory framework reflects the eclectic viticultural heritage of the Tavoliere.

• Uva di Troia minimum 55% required
• Negroamaro permitted at 15-30%
• Sangiovese, Barbera, Montepulciano, Malbec each up to 15%
• Trebbiano Toscano also permitted up to 15%

Rosso di Cerignola is a full-bodied dry red wine with a deep ruby color that transitions toward brick red with age. The aromatic profile delivers ripe red berries, spices, and balsamic notes, with a pleasant bitter finish on the palate. The standard Rosso requires a minimum alcohol of 12.0%, while the Riserva must reach at least 13.0% and complete two years of aging in oak barrels. Production is strikingly small, with only around 100 hectoliters released annually.

• Deep ruby to brick red color; ripe berry, spice, and balsamic aromas
• Dry, full-bodied with a pleasant bitter finish
• Standard Rosso: minimum 12.0% alcohol
• Riserva: minimum 13.0% alcohol and 2 years oak aging

Rosso di Cerignola holds DOC status (Denominazione di Origine Controllata), one of Italy's protected wine designations. The appellation was formally established in June 1974. In March 2026, a producer consortium was established specifically to protect and promote the appellation, signaling renewed focus on this historically significant but low-profile zone.

• DOC status granted June 1974
• Producer consortium formed March 2026 for promotion and protection
• One of the smallest production DOCs in Puglia by volume
• Located within the broader Puglia DOC framework