2024 Cignomoro Pepe Nero Salento Rosso

Salento is the heel of the Italian boot where sun, sea, and wine have come together for centuries.

Salento wine region in Southern Italy

Salento is part of Puglia, in the far southeast of Italy. The region is bordered by the Adriatic Sea on one side and the Ionian Sea on the other. This position brings cooling breezes that protect the grapes from the summer heat. The landscape is dotted with olive trees, low limestone walls, and endless vineyards. Red grapes dominate here, with Primitivo and Negroamaro as the main stars.

History of Salento wines

Winegrowing in Salento goes back thousands of years. The Greeks were the first to plant vines in this part of Italy. Later the Romans continued the cultivation. For a long time, wines from Salento were mainly used to add color and strength to wines from northern Italy. Only in the past decades has the region gained worldwide recognition. Grapes like Primitivo and Negroamaro suddenly became popular far beyond Italy.

Appellation and regulations

Salento is not a DOCG or DOC but an IGP (Indicazione Geografica Protetta). This gives winemakers more freedom. They can use a variety of grapes and don’t need to follow strict DOC rules. That flexibility has led to creativity. Alongside the classic reds, more and more whites like Fiano and Verdeca are planted to produce fresh, vibrant wines.

How Salento wine is made

The hot climate in Puglia produces ripe grapes packed with sugar. To keep freshness, harvesting often happens at night when the grapes are cooler. Winemaking ranges from old concrete vats to modern stainless steel tanks. Many wines spend a short time in oak to add depth. Salento reds are known for their full body, soft tannins, and flavors of ripe red fruit, plums, and spices. Whites from the area are lighter and refreshing, perfect for warm coastal days.

Fun facts about Salento

The name Primitivo actually refers to its early ripening — the grape is often ready for harvest in August. Negroamaro translates as “black and bitter,” a playful nod to the deep color and spicy notes of the wine. Salento is also a favorite region for cycling. On narrow country roads through the vineyards, you’ll often spot growers still harvesting by hand. The region blends tradition and innovation in a natural way.

Order Salento wine online?

At Grandcruwijnen you can choose from a wide range of Salento wines. Every bottle is stored in our conditioned Wine Warehouse. When ordering online, you can select pickup in Dordrecht. You’ll receive an immediate discount, shown as soon as you choose ‘Afhalen’ at checkout.

Italy is one of the most diverse wine countries in the world. From crisp whites in the north to bold reds in the south; each region brings its own character and specialties. Think of the refined Barolos from Piedmont, the classic Chiantis from Tuscany, and of course the iconic Supertuscans: powerful, modern wines that blend international grape varieties with Italian tradition. On this page, you'll dive into the world of Italian wines, rich in flavor, history, and passion.

The History of Italian Wine

Italy is one of the oldest wine-producing countries in the world. As early as the time of the Etruscans and later the Romans, wine was cultivated and exported on a large scale. The Romans not only spread grapevines across Europe but also their knowledge of viticulture and winemaking. Over the centuries, wine became deeply embedded in Italian culture and cuisine. Each region developed its own style and traditions, resulting in the incredible diversity of wines we see in Italy today.

Famous Italian Grape Varieties

Italy is home to hundreds of native grape varieties, making the country unique in the wine world. Some of the most well-known include:

Sangiovese

The signature grape of Tuscany, known from Chianti, Brunello di Montalcino, and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano.

Nebbiolo 

A noble variety from Piedmont, responsible for Barolo and Barbaresco.

Montepulciano 

Widely used in Abruzzo, producing bold and juicy wines.

Aglianico

A powerful red grape from Southern Italy, especially Campania and Basilicata.

Vermentino 

A fresh white grape from Liguria, Sardinia, and Tuscany.

Glera 

The base grape for Prosecco, originating from Veneto and Friuli.

In addition, international varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Chardonnay are also widely used, often found in modern ‘Super Tuscans’.

Wine Styles from Italy

Italy produces a wide variety of wine styles, ranging from light and crisp to deep and complex:

Red wine: Chianti, Barolo, Amarone, Nero d’Avola, Primitivo
White wine: Soave, Verdicchio, Gavi, Pinot Grigio
Sparkling wine: Prosecco, Franciacorta, TrentoDOC
Dessert wine: Vin Santo, Moscato d’Asti, Passito di Pantelleria

Super Tuscans: Rebellious and Iconic

In the 1970s, a new category of wine emerged in Tuscany: the Super Tuscans. Winemakers such as Sassicaia, Tignanello, and Ornellaia chose to craft high-quality wines outside the strict DOC regulations. They used international grape varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, often blended with Sangiovese. These wines quickly conquered the global market and put Tuscany back on the map — this time as a region of innovation and excellence.

Important Wine Regions of Italy

Italy has 20 wine regions, each with its own character and specialties. Some of the most notable are:

• Tuscany – famous for Chianti Classico, Brunello di Montalcino, and Super Tuscans.
• Piedmont – home to Nebbiolo, Barolo, Barbaresco, and Barbera.
• Veneto – known for Amarone, Valpolicella, Soave, and of course Prosecco.
• Puglia – sun-drenched wines from Primitivo and Negroamaro.
• Sicily – increasingly popular for wines made from Nero d’Avola and Etna Rosso.
• Friuli-Venezia Giulia – top-quality white wines from Friulano and Sauvignon, among others.

Iconic Italian Wineries

Italy is home to many internationally renowned wineries. Some of the most iconic include:

• Antinori (Tuscany) – a centuries-old winery and pioneer of the Super Tuscan movement.
• Gaja (Piedmont) – revolutionary producer of Barbaresco and Langhe wines.
• Tenuta San Guido (Tuscany) – creator of the legendary Sassicaia.
• Ca’ del Bosco (Lombardy) – a master in Franciacorta sparkling wines.

Buy Italian Wine at Grandcruwijnen

At Grandcruwijnen, you'll find a broad and carefully curated selection of Italian wines — from classic Chianti to elegant Barolo and lively Franciacorta. Whether you're looking for an accessible everyday wine or an iconic bottle for your cellar, we have it. Easily order online or pick up in Dordrecht. Our team of wine experts is ready with personal advice and food pairing suggestions to help you make the perfect choice.

The taste of Primitivo wine

Italian red wine made from the Primitivo grape is dark in color and powerful and full of flavor. The tannins are soft and the acids balanced. The red wine has a slight spiciness and is bursting with black fruit with impressions of blackberries, strawberries and jammy fruit. Primitivo wine is recognizable by aromas of cherry liqueur and blackberries. Thanks to the ripe tannins, they are wines that can be stored for a long time. A Primitivo wine is best enjoyed at a temperature of 16 – 18 °C.