(May 2016) On the afternoon of our first day in Puglia, we were
scheduled to visit Cantina Albea - a
small winery located in the town of Alberobello, and just a short walk from our
hotel. We were greeted by Tommaso Marangi, who has a contagious smile and
exhibits much passion for wine and Puglia. He gave us a tour of their
fascinating museum, explained the wine making process, and then allowed us to
taste several wines.
About Cantina Albea
Winery
Located close to the Locorotondo DOC, Cantina Albea focuses
on grape varietals from this region, such as Verdeca and Bianco d’ Alessano,
but also purchases other grapes from nearby areas, such as Fiano and Nero de
Troia. They own 52 hectares of vineyards and produce around 20,000 cases
annually. Due to their location in a
prime tourist town, they receive anywhere from 15,000 to 20,000 visitors per
year, and therefore are able to sell 30% of production direct to consumers
(DTC).
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| Our Tasting in the Cellars of Cantina Albea |
Museum and Gas
Station Wine Pump at Cantina Albea
Tommaso gave us a tour of their fascinating wine museum,
with an excellent explanation of Puglia wines and the surrounding regions, as
well as an exhibit of old and new winemaking equipment.
We were mesmerized by the gas station style wine pumps,
which allow customers to “pump” their own bulk wine from a gas station style
hose into a recyclable plastic wine container (See photo). This is not
something we see in the US, but my students were excited about trying to import
the custom.
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| Using "gas station style hose" to fill wine jug |
Tasting of Four
Cantina Albea Wines
With his sommelier training, Tommaso did an excellent job in
presenting four wines and explaining with much enthusiasm and waving of arms,
the special attributes of the wine. We
enjoyed his presentation while seated in the wine cellar at long tables with
complementary local snacks. The wines
were all well made and included:
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| Tommaso Presenting the Wines of Cantina Albea |
2014 Petrarosa
Special Cuvee Rose of Primitivo – an easy drinking rose with strawberry jam
notes, having spent six hours on the skin.
In the US, we would have called this a “white zinfandel” in the
past. However, since white zin is no
longer selling well, labeling it a “rose” makes more economic sense.
2015 Il Selva DOC
Locorotondo – a white wine made with 60% Verdeca, 35% Bianco d’ Alessano,
and 5% Fiano. Delightful floral nose,
light to medium body, with medium-high acid. Very refreshing with mineral notes
2013 Terre del Sole Primitivo
– a cheerful Primitivo with classic jammy notes, spice and an earthy after
taste. Approachable with moderate
tannins
**2011 Lui 100% Nero
de Troia – this was one of my favorite wines on the complete 12 day trip to
Southern Italy. Made of 100% Nero de
Troia, it opened with blackberry and soft herb notes, then caressed the palate
with velvety tannins and a long elegant finish.
Aged 8 months in oak and 7 in bottle before release. Won multiple awards. A grape we rarely see in the US, Nero de Troia,
meaning “black of Troy,” was apparently brought from Homer’s ancient city of
Troy (now in Albania) to the Puglia region of Italy.
Another reason to visit the enchanting village of
Alberobello is the opportunity to visit the friendly and delicious cellars of
Cantina Albea.
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| Having Fun in the Cantina Albea Museum |
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