Copertino

"Copertino" is a PDO that identifies both a red wine, also produced in the Riserva variant, and a rosé wine.

Grapes

The production of Copertino wines requires the use of grapes from vineyards of the Negro Amaro grape variety. For a maximum quota of 30%, however, other varieties can be added: Malvasia nera di Brindisi, Malvasia nera di Lecce, Montepulciano and Sangiovese (which can not be present for more than 15%).

Physicochemical and Organoleptic properties

Copertino Rosso, also in the Riserva variant, has an interesting ruby colour, of varying intensity, which with ageing is enriched with rather light tones of orange. The bouquet is vinous and persistent, while the taste is dry, velvety, savory, generous and with a pleasant bitter aftertaste. The minimum total alcoholic strength by volume is 12% vol., which rises to 12.5% vol. in the Riserva. Copertino Rosato, on the other hand, has a delicate salmon-pink hue, which in some cases turns towards the cherry tones. It has a slightly vinous, distinct and persistent scent and on the palate it is dry, free of bitterness, with a herbaceous background that is combined with a pleasant bitter aftertaste. The minimum total alcoholic strength by volume is 12% vol.

Grape production area

The production area covers a rather small number of municipalities, all located in the province of Lecce. The area has a climate characterized by strong temperature ranges, with hot summers and mild winters, and a typically Mediterranean rainfall.

Specificity and historical notes

The wine-growing activity in the area of Copertino is rather deep-rooted. The first precise information on the wines produced in this area, however, date back to 1811, when Gioacchino Murat produced the "Statistiche del Regno di Napoli" (Statistics of the Kingdom of Naples).