From theAdriatic to Castel del Monte

Start your journey inBarletta(Barletta-Andria-Trani Province), whereNero di Troiavines dominate the surrounding vineyards. A few kilometres further south on the sandy coastal lands ofTranithere is the sweet and elegantMoscato Realevariety. In the early 1900s it was quite common in the north of Italy to see signs with “Trani” and “Barletta” to indicate places selling the wines from these two cities. This was so widespread thatGiorgio Gaber– a famous singer – wrote his song “Trani a gogò” in the 1960s, describing the modest taverns of Milan selling wine from the cask. Barlettais a city to discover: its Norman-Swabian-Angevin castle, its long Levante and Ponente coast line, the commercial port, the massive statue of “Eraclio” (Byzantine Emperor Heraclius), and a wealth of churches and noble houses of great artistic interest, including the Palazzo della Marra. Then there are historical events like the tournament commemorated at the Cantina della Disfida, and the Canne della Battaglia archaeological site, where Hannibal and his army fought the Romans.Tranihas a picture postcard port area, dominated by the sovereign of Puglia’s churches – the Cathedral of St. Nicholas the Pilgrim – the austere and luminous rose-white tones of the local marble suggest the splendour of the Mediaeval city of Trani. Now head inland towardsCorato(Bari Province), through vineyards and olive groves of the most popular local cultivar – “Coratina” also called “racioppa di Corato”. This is the area of origin of the Canestrato Pugliese Dop, another local dairy product and a left-over from the days when shepherds migrated with their flocks and herds. You are now in the land ofCastel del Monte Docwine. The Castle itself in the distance seems to watch over the indigenous and non-native vines which flourish in the ideal soils and climatic conditions of the area, giving wines with a strong and identifiable character. The trip finishes inRuvo di Puglia, one of the most fascinating and cultural towns in the province. The local oak woodlands are very interesting, and then there is the Museo Nazionale Jatta, a museum where visitors can see some absolute masterpieces of terracotta ware and pottery from the Magna Graecia era. The best known artifact is the 5th century B.C. Talos, an Attic vase depicting the death of the giant Talos at the hands of the Argonauts.