Negroamaro grape variety

Negroamaro is a red grape variety from the south of Italy. The wines are usually powerful, full-bodied and tannic, with rich aromas of dark fruit such as blackcurrant or fully ripe cherry. The full-bodied aroma spectrum is often complemented by notes of spice and chocolate. The grape is often matured in steel tanks to emphasise its fruitiness and can be found both as a single variety and in cuvées. Negroamaro is an excellent accompaniment to strong roasted flavours of grilled meat, pasta or pizza. The wines can be enjoyed when young, but high-quality examples certainly have ageing potential. Negroamaro is an important variety for wines from Apulia and offers an alternative to the better-known grape varieties such as Primitivo or Nero d'Avola.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ) about Negroamaro wine

What characterises the Negroamaro grape variety?

Negroamaro is a traditional red wine variety from Apulia, known for its deep dark colour, strong body and tannin-rich structure. Typical flavours include dark fruits such as blackcurrant and cherry, complemented by spicy and chocolate notes. The wines are ideal with grilled meat, pasta or pizza and, depending on the quality, also show ageing potential.

What is Negroamaro wine?

Negroamaro is a traditional red grape variety from southern Italy, which is mainly cultivated in Apulia. The name is made up of "negro" (black) and "amaro" (bitter) and refers to the deep dark colour and the characteristic, slightly bitter note of the wine. Negroamaro wines are known for their intense flavour, depth and Mediterranean elegance.

Where does Negroamaro wine come from?

Its home is the sun-kissed south of Italy - especially the Salento in Apulia. The vines there benefit from hot summers, mild winters and proximity to the sea, which gives the wine its typical balance of fruit and flavour. Negroamaro is one of the oldest grape varieties in the region and is at the heart of Apulian wine culture.

What are the health benefits of Negroamaro wine?

Consumed in moderation, Negroamaro - like other red wines - can have positive effects
- Rich in antioxidants (e.g. resveratrol)
- Can promote blood circulation and prevent cardiovascular diseases
- Contains polyphenols, which can have an anti-inflammatory effect

What does Negroamaro wine taste like?

Negroamaro has a full-bodied, powerful and velvety flavour. Aromas of dark berries such as blackberries and black cherries are typical, along with spicy notes of tobacco, chocolate, liquorice or Mediterranean herbs. It often has a fine bitterness on the finish, which makes the wine unmistakable.

What food does Negroamaro go well with?

This wine is an ideal accompaniment to strong dishes
- Grilled meat, beef steaks or lamb
- Spicy pasta dishes, e.g. with tomato sauces or ragù
- Mature cheeses such as pecorino or parmesan
- Mediterranean vegetable dishes (e.g. aubergine, peppers, olives)

How much does a good bottle of Negroamaro cost?

Solid quality wines for everyday enjoyment are available from around 7-10 euros. For particularly high-quality Negroamaro Riserva, prices can range between 15 and 30 euros - an excellent price-performance ratio compared to many other red wines.

How is Negroamaro produced?

The grapes are usually harvested by hand and fermented in temperature-controlled tanks. Many winegrowers produce Negroamaro in stainless steel tanks to emphasise the freshness of the fruit. For richer wines, it is matured in oak barrels, which lends additional complexity and notes of vanilla and chocolate.

What flavours can I expect in Negroamaro?

- Fruit: Blackcurrant, blackberry, sour cherry
- Spice: Liquorice, tobacco, Mediterranean herbs
- Maturation: chocolate, coffee, vanilla (when aged in barrels)

How should I store Negroamaro?

a good bottle of Negroamaro should be stored in a dark, cool and horizontal place so that the cork does not dry out. The ideal temperature is between 12 and 16 °C. Young wines can be drunk immediately, high-quality Riserva qualities can be stored for several years without any problems.

Is there a best time of year to drink Negroamaro?

Negroamaro is ideal in the cooler months when hearty dishes are served. It unfolds its full potential in autumn and winter. But even in summer - slightly chilled - it is an exciting accompaniment to barbecue dishes.

Discover more grape varieties for red wines.

Frühburgunder

Frühburgunder, also known as Pinot Madeleine, is a red grape variety that is closely related to Pinot Noir. It is also cultivated in France, but mainly in Germany. The grape ripens - nomen est omen - earlier than Pinot Noir and produces somewhat richer wines with velvety tannins and good acidity.

Pinot Noir

Pinot Noir, or Pinot Noir, is a red grape variety that is widely grown around the world today and is also the basis for some of the rarest and most exquisite wines in the world. The variety has a very long tradition of excellence, particularly in France (especially in Burgundy) and Germany (in the Ahr and Baden regions).

Petit Verdot

Petit Verdot is a red grape variety that originates from Bordeaux, but is now mainly cultivated in Australia and South America due to its high climatic requirements. The wines are full-bodied, with high tannins and high acidity.

Zinfandel

The Zinfandel grape variety is mainly grown in California and produces powerful, extremely powerful and dense red wines, usually with a high alcohol content. The flavour is characterised by aromas of ripe, dark berries and fruits such as blackberry, cherry and plum as well as spicy notes of cinnamon, cloves, chocolate and pepper.

Portugieser

Portugieser, also known as Blauer Portugieser, is a red grape variety that originates from former Austro-Hungarian territories in north-west Slovenia and is now mainly cultivated in Germany and Austria. However, it has nothing to do with the country it bears in its name.

Syrah

The French Rhone Valley is the home of Syrah, a red grape variety that can also be found in the USA and especially in Australia, where it is usually known as Shiraz. The two names are as different as the respective styles with which the genetically identical grape varieties are vinified.

Welschriesling

Welschriesling is a white grape variety that is mainly cultivated in Austria and the wider Danube region of the former Austro-Hungarian Empire. Despite its name, it is not related to Riesling.

Weißburgunder

The Pinot Blanc grape - called Pinot Blanc in France and Pinot Bianco in Italy - is the lightest-coloured member of the large Burgundy family. The variety produces fresh, fruity wines whose acidity can vary from moderate to strong depending on the style and which develop delicate fruit flavours such as apples, pears or citrus fruits, often complemented by nutty notes such as almonds.

Viognier

Viognier is a white grape variety that originally comes from the Rhône region in south-east France, but is now cultivated in many countries. It produces complex and aromatically dense wines with a strong alcohol content and moderate acidity.

Sémillon

Sémillon is a noble white grape variety that originates from France, but has now also found a home in the New World. The wines are known for their fruity flavours and full body. Dry Sémillon wines typically show flavours of lemon or lime, while the sweet and noble sweet varieties have apricot, peach, honey, candied fruit or nutty tones.

Silvaner

Silvaner is a white grape variety that originated in Austria, but is now most widespread in Germany, where it plays an important role alongside Riesling. Other noteworthy stocks can still be found in Alsace in France. The wines are known for their freshness, minerality and sometimes strong, earthy character.

Riesling

Riesling is one of the best-known white grape varieties and is cultivated all over the world - first and foremost in Germany, of course. It is more flexible and versatile than almost any other grape.

Here you can find information on other grape varieties.