Torrevento

The Torrevento (Tower of the Winds) estate in Corato, managed by Francesco Liantonio, has been in the family since 1948. It is one of the most important wineries of the DOC Castel del Monte and - located in the middle of the Parco Rurale della Murgia - is considered to be an exemplary Apulian winery in terms of environmental protection and sustainability. The soils of the 400 hectares of vineyards, between 400 and 600 metres high and only 13 kilometres from the sea, half of which are owned by the winery, are made up of limestone typical of the karst formation of the northernmost part of the Murgia plateau. A steady wind ensures that the vines are evenly aerated here. The climate in the growing area is Mediterranean, with warm and dry summers and relatively cold and long winters, when even snow is not uncommon.

The main components of Torrevento's vine portfolio are almost exclusively autochthonous varieties from excellent grape material. The lion's share is taken by Nero di Troia, a grape with a strong tannin structure grown near Bari and around the impressive Castel del Monte castle and the Alta Murgia nature park. For a long time, this variety, which has been enjoying DOCG status in the Castel del Monte DOC since 2011, was paid little attention. At first, it was only used for blends, until the Francesco and Domenico Liantonio brothers recognized the potential of this red grape. Despite the huge cultivation areas - the vines grow at an average density of 4,500 vines per hectare in Alberello training - and the large production volume, Torrevento follows the guidelines of organically recognized cultivation. In addition, the winery holds the ISO 14001 environmental certification.

The two Liantonio brothers offer a very high quality range of modern wines full of character, characterized by finesse, fruit and freshness, promising high drinking pleasure. Massimo di Bari, a young enologist, is visibly proud that the Castel del Monto Rosso Vigna Pedale Riserva - a single-varietal Nero di Troia bottled for the first time in 1994 - has been subscribed for the "Three Glasses" of the wine guide Gambero Rosso for many years. The Veritas rosé, made of the local Bombino Nero grape, is also very impressive; it is the only rosé wine in Italy with DOCG status. SUPERIORE.DE

"In the denomination Castel del Monte in the Parco Rurale of Murgia, Francesco Liantonio's winery has 450 hectares of vineyards, which are cultivated according to organic methods and in the highest degree of environmental friendliness. The vineyards are located on rocky karst soils and are almost exclusively planted with autochthonous varieties, above all Nero di Troia. In terms of cellar management, the work in the vineyards is respected and therefore long stays on the mash and too intensive barrel ageing are avoided. The results are very fruity wines, which are characterized by freshness and finesse." Gambero Rosso

"The pedigree of these drops exceeds the regional average. Dense wines, neither oxidized nor vinous. Good stuff!" Luca Maroni