Tenute Chiaromonte

Tenute Chiaromonte’s History and Philosophy

Gioia del Colle is a viticultural area that has suffered a certain neglect even after it was recognized as a controlled denomination in 1987. Part, certainly, it was due to the relatively small size of the area, at least if compared to the Manduria DOC , by far the largest area in Italy where Primitivo grapes are grown . The origin, over the decades, of a large quantity of blended wines that leave in tankers to the northernmost regions of Italy (and also beyond the Alps). The two denominations, however, could not be more different.

First of all, Primitivo is grown in different vineyards, the same grape, but entirely heterogeneous clones and bio-types. But undoubtedly the most important difference lies in the soils and, above all, in the microclimate: Gioia del Colle, with vineyards reaching altitudes of 500 meters, enjoys considerably higher temperature changes between the daily heat of the regional summers on the cooler evenings and nights caused by both altitude and fresh winds blowing from the high hills of the Murge geological formation.

One of the producers who better know these favorable climatic conditions, and has taken advantage of them most, is Nicola Chiaromonte from Acquaviva delle Fonti , a town in the heart of the production area. The last of many generations of vine growers, Chiaromonte knows its territory in as much detail as possible. As he himself said: ” the earth is made palm by palm: it means that what one palm can give is not equal to what the other palm can give.”

The wines of Tenute Chiaromonte

And from this awareness, and from a total dedication to his vines and his work, he came to a series of wines that were commonly considered among the best in Puglia: the Elè Primitivo IGT , the Gioia del Colle Primitivo Muro Sant ‘Angelo, the superior Gioa del Colle Primitivo Muro Sant’Angelo Contrada Barbatto, and also the interesting and convincing house wine, Kimìa, based on Fiano . Not to mention the wine that summarizes generations of regional tradition: the slightly sweet Nigredo.

Primitivo