Tenute Chiaromonte — Higher Ground, Cooler Soul

In Puglia’s sun-saturated landscape, Tenute Chiaromonte occupies an unusual position, literally and philosophically.

Located in Acquaviva delle Fonti, at higher elevations than most of the region, the estate benefits from cooler temperatures that allow acidity to develop naturally. The red terra rossa soils here (iron-rich red soil over limestone), scattered with rock fragments, push the vines to work harder, producing grapes with more tension and complexity than their lower-altitude neighbours.

Like Feudi di Guagnano, the house practices Alberello cultivation with ancient vines,  growing vines low to the ground without support frames.

Primitivo and Aglianico, two of southern Italy’s most characterful grapes, share the stage. Elè is the entry point: youthful, approachable, with wild strawberry and ripe plum with a blend of Primitivo and Aglianico. Muro Sant’Angelo is where the estate lets Primitivo pronounce its dried herbs notes, firm structure, and layered complexity.

Altitude changes everything. Chiaromonte knows this better than most.

Available at Soul Wine.