Story: Polvanera | Puglia

Polvanera: The heart of Primitivo in Apulia
The Polvanera winery, a name that embodies both tradition and innovation, has quickly developed into one of the flagship projects of Apulian viticulture. Although it has only existed since 2002 under the management of Filippo Cassano, it can look back on a long family tradition. Cassano, an experienced winegrower, made the historic estate in Contrada Marchesana, a district of Gioia del Colle, his life's work. His goal was clear: to develop the full potential of the Primitivo grapes from the region.

With the purchase and careful renovation of a historic farmhouse dating from 1860-1880, Filippo Cassano laid the foundations for an ambitious project that would redefine Apulia on the international wine map.

Primitivo: a fascinating grape variety and terroir
The name Polvanera, which translates as “black earth”, refers to the characteristic soils of the region. The deep red to midnight black soil around the winery shapes the unmistakable character of the Primitivo wines. The concept of terroir, often invoked, becomes a reality here: it is the black earth of the Murgia that brings mineral freshness and intensity to the grapes.

The vineyards of Polvanera extend at an altitude of 300 to 450 meters above sea level - a decisive advantage in a region that often struggles with extreme climatic conditions. These high altitudes ensure cool nights, which give the wines their unmistakable freshness and elegance. Cassano cultivates around 15 hectares of Primitivo on a total of 25 hectares, supplemented by smaller plots of Aleatico, Aglianico, Fiano Minutolo, Falanghina and Moscato.

A cellar that combines history and modernity
The historic Polvanera estate is home to a cellar that combines rustic elegance and modern functionality. Parts of the cellar are dug up to eight meters deep into the rock. This construction method ensures a constant temperature and humidity, ideal for storing wine. The combination of tradition and technology is also evident in the equipment: a modern wine press and innovative winemaking equipment enable the philosophy of natural winemaking to be consistently implemented.

Filippo Cassano, who works as a cellar master himself, deliberately avoids the excessive use of barriques in order to emphasize the natural aromas of the grapes and the minerality of the terroir.

Old vines, exceptional wines
The old Primitivo vines are one of Polvanera's special treasures. Grapes from 40 to 60-year-old vines are used for the estate's top wines. Although they produce extremely low yields - often only 500 grams per plant - the quality is outstanding. The concentrated extract of the grapes gives the wines depth, elegance and complexity.

The younger vines, around 10 years old, provide the basis for the estate's more accessible Primitivo wines. But here, too, the standards remain high: even the basic wines are characterized by freshness, minerality and drinkability.

Sustainability as a guiding principle
Polvanera stands out not only for the quality of its wines, but also for its consistent commitment to sustainable agriculture. In a region such as Apulia, which is still strongly characterized by traditional, often unsustainable cultivation methods, the winery is setting new standards.

Weed control is carried out mechanically and the use of chemicals is kept to a minimum. Thanks to the ideal location of the vineyards, irrigation is only used as a “rescue measure” to conserve local water resources. The winery itself is also geared towards sustainability: The use of natural cellar structures reduces energy consumption, and renewable energy sources are increasingly integrated.

International recognition and local inspiration
Polvanera's wines have already received numerous awards, including repeated praise in the renowned Gambero Rosso and Falstaff magazine. But Filippo Cassano is not resting on his laurels. Instead, his philosophy inspires other winemakers in the region to focus more on quality and sustainability.

Primitivo from Polvanera: tradition and innovation in a glass
The wines from Polvanera are a successful synthesis of tradition and innovation. They represent the elegance and depth that the Gioia del Colle region has to offer and impress with their balance of freshness, minerality and terroir character.

With Polvanera, Filippo Cassano has created a place where history, nature and modern technology work together in harmony. His Primitivo wines are not only among the best in the region, but also set standards that reach far beyond Puglia. - Gerardo [TS11/24]