From: Puglia, Italy

Varietal: 40% Nero di Troia, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, 50% other indigenous varietals

Sebastiano de Corato founded Azienda Vinicola Rivera in Puglia (the “boot” of Italy), near a town called Andria in the early 1950s; his sons, Sebastiano and Marco, now run the estate. Rivera is located within the Castel del Monte DOC, which takes its name from an octagonal castle built by Frederick the Second of Swabia in the 13th century on one of the highest of the Murgia hills, whose unique architecture was intended more as a symbol of Frederick II’s temporal power than as a tool for defending his territory.

Tasting Notes: Fresh and fruity red made from the assemblage of traditional varieties of the DOC Castel del Monte, including Nero di Troia and Cabernet Sauvignon. The result is an easy-to-drink wine that expresses a fresh bouquet of wild red berry fruit and floral aromas that persist in a smooth, dynamic palate, along with notes of black pepper and a well-balanced, subtly tannic finish.

Pairing: This makes a lovely wine to enjoy with pizza, pasta, savory soups, and various meats.