The Negro Amaro, also widely known as Negroamaro, is a black grape variety native to Puglia, with its primary cultivation area in the Salento region, although it is also present throughout the rest of the region. Its origins are ancient, likely dating back to the Greek colonization that began around the 18th century BC. In terms of both cultivated area and quality, Negro Amaro is the most important grape variety in Puglia, alongside the Primitivo grape. Together with Aglianico and Nero d’Avola (also known as Calabrese), it represents one of the finest grapes in Southern Italy. Its cultivation most likely began on the Ionian coast of Puglia, where it is still widely grown today. From this area, cultivation quickly expanded to Salento, the Brindisi region, and the Taranto area. For many years, Negro Amaro was used primarily as a blending grape and for export.
In fact, similar to what happened with Calabrian varieties, Negro Amaro was used until recent times for blending with wines from both France and northern Italy, particularly to add color to Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Its use as the main variety for local wines has only recently gained prominence, also due to the production of rosé wines. The name Negro Amaro reflects its main characteristics: the almost black color of its wines and their slightly bitter aftertaste. It blends well with smaller quantities of local grapes, such as Malvasia Nera di Brindisi and Malvasia Nera di Lecce, as well as Sangiovese and Montepulciano, to produce elegant and full-bodied reds or refined rosé wines.
From an ampelographic standpoint, the Negro Amaro grape has medium-sized, conical clusters that are densely packed, short, and without wings. The berries are large, heavily covered in bloom, with thick black skins showing violet veins. Negro Amaro has a very high yield, which needs to be controlled through severe pruning and compact training systems. The alberello (bush vine) is the most commonly used training method for quality wine production, while the traditional Puglian tendone system is still prevalent for larger quantities. The grape is quite sensitive to botrytis and grapevine moths, but it shows good resistance to other adversities, particularly powdery mildew and downy mildew. In Puglia, the very dry and often drought-prone climate does not encourage mold development. Negro Amaro prefers calcareous soils but also benefits from a good presence of clay, which can retain the abundant water found in the Puglian subsoil. Harvesting typically takes place between September and October. When vinified on its own, Negro Amaro produces wines with a very intense color that leans towards garnet, and an aromatic profile characterized by prominent dark flowers and berry fruits.
