Nardò

There are three types of wine that fall under the Protected Designation of Origin "Nardò": Red, Red Riserva and Rosé.

Grapes

Nardò wines must be produced with grapes from vineyards of Negroamaro (at least 80% of the total), Malvasia nera di Brindisi, Malvasia nera di Lecce and Montepulciano (up to a maximum of 20%).

Physicochemical and Organoleptic properties

Nardò Rosso has a pleasant ruby hue, with different levels of intensity. The scent is intense and vinous and combined with a dry and harmonious taste, with a slightly bitterish note. The minimum total alcoholic strength by volume is 11.5% vol. Compared to the basic version, Rosso Riserva (12.5% vol.) is distinguished by its orange tones, which enhance the ruby red colour, and by a more ethereal perfume; on the palate it is dry, full-bodied, velvety and harmonious, as well as slightly tannic. Finally, the Rosé (11.5% vol.) ranges from coral rose to pale cherry; it has a vinous, delicate, characteristic and slightly fruity scent.

Grape production area

The production area is rather small and covers only the municipalities of Nardò and Porto Cesareo, in the province of Lecce.

Specificity and historical notes

The designation derives from the homonymous city, whose foundation is, most likely, prior to that of Rome. However, the origins of this foundation has not yet been reconstructed and the hypotheses that are made are various.