From: Andria, Puglia, Italy
Varietal: Nero di Troia
Taste: In the glass, the wine shows a deep, saturated ruby core with purple highlights at the rim. Aromatically, it opens with notes of black cherry, wild blackberry, and dried violets, followed by undertones of pink peppercorn, tobacco leaf, and a slight herbal lift reminiscent of thyme and sage. The palate is medium-bodied and focused, with a dark-fruited core framed by firm, fine-grained tannins.
Pairing: Nero di Troia’s moderate alcohol, taut structure, and spicy profile make it good for pairing with dishes that feature roasted meats, earthy components, or bitter greens. Start by matching its firm tannins with grilled or seared proteins and its acidity with dishes that include tomato or vinegar-based sauces.
About: Rivera is in the town of Andria, Puglia, within the Castel del Monte DOC and DOCG zones. Founded in 1950 by Sebastiano de Corato, the estate has played a crucial role in reintroducing Puglia’s native grape varieties to international audiences. At a time when much of southern Italy was focused on bulk wine production, de Corato saw the potential for serious, site-driven wines from the unique limestone-rich terroirs of the Murge plateau.
