Once characterized by a quantity over quality approach, the wines of Puglia today have all the credentials to warrant flattery and praise – especially the rosés, which are among the best in Italy. It's no coincidence that Italy's first national rosé wine, the Five Roses by Leone de Castris, was bottled here as early as 1943. 

This aptitude is due to some stellar red grape varieties, such as the Primitivo and Negroamaro. In recent years, their prestige has extended to varieties that have been rediscovered and enhanced, such as Nero di Troia, Bombino Nero, Malvasia Nera, Susumaniello, and Ottavianello.