Uva di Troia

Uva di Troia is a dark-skinned grape variety grown in the Puglia region of southern Italy. It is one of the region’s oldest varieties, having been cultivated for over two thousand years. It is also commonly known as Nero di Troia.

The grape is dark-skinned with a thick skin and moderate acidity. On the nose, it has aromas of black and red fruits, including cherries, plums, blackberries, as well as hints of licorice and spices. On the palate, it has a good tannic structure with a medium body and moderate acidity. The taste is of dark fruits, spices, and herbs with a hint of chocolate.

Uva di Troia is mainly grown in the Puglia region of Italy, with some plantings in other parts of the country. It is particularly common in the southern part of the region, where it is often blended with other local varieties such as Primitivo, Malvasia Nera, and Montepulciano. Uva di Troia is fairly hard to grow. It takes a long time to reach full ripeness. For this reason, some early ripening grapes are used for rosé wines. The variety needs extra care to avoid diseases and sunburn. The delicate features make it a good balance for other Puglian grapes such as Primitivo, which often used as its blending partners. In Puglia, Uva di Troia wines are full-bodied and often have aromas of blackberry and blackcurrant, and has an elegant and complex taste profile. Uva di Troia pairs well with a wide range of foods. Its bold flavors and tannins make it an excellent pairing for grilled meat, rich pasta dishes, and aged cheese. The variety also goes well with tomato-based dishes and roasted vegetables.

Uva di Troia is one of the few grape varieties to have been given a place in Greek mythology.

According to legend, the Trojan prince Paris was sent to retrieve a golden apple from the garden of the goddess Hera. Upon his return, he presented the apple to the goddess, who was so pleased that she blessed the vineyards of Troy with the Uva di Troia variety.