The Bombino Nero grape is a black grape variety primarily cultivated in Puglia, where it has been known for years for its great vigor and productivity. For this reason, Bombino Nero was also called “Buonvino.” Bombino Nero is mainly used in blends with other grapes, along with Montepulciano and two other important black grape varieties of Puglia, Uva di Troia and Negroamaro. The variety is also used in other parts of southern Italy, including neighboring Basilicata and Sardinia. Varietal wines based on Bombino Nero are relatively rare but are becoming more widespread and appreciated over time, as in the case of Castel del Monte Bombino Nero DOCG.

It was once believed that Bombino Nero was a mutation of Bombino Bianco, but more recent research has established that the two varieties are not genetically analogous, though they are closely related. Unlike Bombino Bianco, the black grape variety is mostly concentrated in Puglia. Bombino Nero grapes are among the last to ripen in their area of origin, and their skins are relatively thin and delicate. For this reason, the berries rarely reach optimal ripeness and tend to have high acidity and low sugar levels. Therefore, the grape rarely produces the robust red wines typical of Puglia, but it is precisely for this reason that some producers are interested in the variety to add lighter wines to their range. Another important use of Bombino Nero is enhancing the color of rosé wines from the Lizzano DOC and Castel del Monte DOC. Bombino Nero grapes quickly release their color to the wine, before the tannins, allowing for a fresh, soft, and well-colored rosé wine.