Blog: Polvanera | Puglia

Although the Polvanera winery has only recently become known, it already has a long family tradition. The same is true for owner Filippo Cassano, who after many years in viticulture took over the winery in 2003 and made it his project. Filippo acquired and renovated the historic farmhouse located in Marquise, a hamlet of Goia del Colle, which was built between 1860 and 1880. The ambitious project from then on knew only one goal: to get the best out of the local Primitivo grapes that have always been native to the area of Goia del Colle - it is the Primitivo of Polvanera.

Primitivo Polvanera
Polvanera, a melodious name of typical southern Italian sound. But there is more to it, because the characteristic dark red to midnight black color of the earth around the winery has always been called so. For years, people have often spoken of 'terroir', and at Polvanera this expression is program, because it is the 'black earth' that gives the wines their special note.

The old estate together with the surrounding buildings form the winery of Filippo Cassano and, although modern, is kept functional. Parts of the cellar are dug into the rock up to eight meters, guaranteeing a constant temperature and humidity throughout the year. Through the natural rock cellars combine the usefulness and beauty of the place, it looks cozy and rustic elegance. The harvest of Primitivo grapes at Polvanera usually takes place in the second week of September. A modern wine press and winemaking systems are used to enable the farm's natural approach. Filippo Cassano is a passionate winemaker and directs himself the cellar, in collaboration with a team of competent employees are produced exclusively high quality wines that stand for the DOC Goia del Colle.

The 'Murgia' a karst area is very flat and the climatic conditions almost extreme, but at the same time has high quality soils. Here, in the heart of Puglia, at altitudes ranging from 300 to 450 meters, the Primitivo vine finds its optimal growing conditions. In the heart of the area, between Acquaviva and Goia del Colle, in the Contrada Marchesana, lies the cradle of Polvanera. At present Filippo and his staff cultivate about 25 hectares of vineyards, of which 15 hectares are planted exclusively with Primitivo. In addition, there are smaller plantings of Aleatico, Aglianico, Fiano Minutolo, Falanghina and Moscato.

Filippo Casano is an inquisitive student of viticulture and sets new standards for the winemakers of the area with his pursuit of quality and natural methods. He almost completely avoids aging in barriques in order to preserve the authentic aromas of the grapes. In addition, some of the Primitivo plantings are very old, which leads to extremely low yields but all the higher extract. Where for the simpler Primitivo wines vines of 10 years of age are in production, the top wines at Polvanera are obtained from vines of 40, 50 or even 60 years. Here, the yield per plant is extremely low at just under 500g, but of exceptional quality. These are expressive, deep dark and complex wines. These and other factors have already brought the winery several awards and honors in the well-known wine magazines, above all the Gambero Rosso as well as Falstaff. It is an advantage in terms of quality, which also inspires the surrounding winemakers to rethink. The Primitivo of Polvanera - a successful synthesis of tradition and innovation. Elegance and drinkability coupled with freshness, minerality and the terroir character of a local wine. - Gerardo [TS10/23]