Negroamaro is a dark-skinned grape varietal that is most commonly associated with the Puglia region of southern Italy. The name Negroamaro translates to "black bitter" in English, which hints at the nature of the grape - it typically produces deeply colored wines with a full body and a distinctly rustic, bitter edge.
The fruit flavors in Negroamaro wines often fall into the darker end of the fruit spectrum, with blackberry, black cherry, and plum being common. It can also exhibit notes of licorice, tobacco, earth, and even a hint of savory.
Negroamaro is often made into varietal wine but is also commonly blended with other grape varieties, especially Malvasia Nera and Primitivo. It's also one of the principal grapes used in the production of the popular and widely exported Salice Salentino wines.
This grape varietal is valued for its ability to withstand the hot Mediterranean climate without losing its acidity. The wines produced from Negroamaro tend to age well and can be kept for several years.
