Today’s post is about a grape variety that comes from Southern Italy, specifically from Puglia or Apulia as we say in English. The grape is called Ottavianello Nero. In France and Corsica, the grape is known as Cinsaut. Apparently it is named after a municipality in Campania, near Naples called Ottaviano however it is more widely found now in Puglia, in the Salento around the towns of Ostuni and Brindisi. Usually used in blends but sometimes made into a monovarietal, it brings foral notes and softens the more tannic grapes with which it is often blended. Negro Amaro is the principal red grape in this area of Italy but you can also find Malvasia Nera and of course, Primitivo. On well-known winery that used this grape is Tenuta Rubino makes a monovarietal Ottavianello under the Ostuni DOC named Lamo.

When young, Ottavianello is floral with cherry, strawberry, pomegranate tart notes with a hint of tea. It has good acidity, low tannins, and moderate alcohol, with a velvety mouthfeel but with age, spicy notes come out on the palate.

Ostuni is a fascinating city to visit in a gorgeous part of the Salento. I have spent some time in Puglia and am always happy to return and discover the amazing, food, wines, art, and beaches. Truly marvelous memories of vacations spent in this part of il Bel Paese.