Uva di Puglia PGI facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Grapes of Apulia |
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| Species | Vitis vinifera |
| Cultivar group | Grapes cultivars |
| Origin | Southern Mediterranean |
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Uva di Puglia PGI is a special type of grape grown in Apulia, a sunny region in southern Italy. "PGI" stands for "Protected Geographical Indication." This means these grapes are famous because they come from this specific area.
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The Story of Apulian Grapes
Apulia has a long history with grapes. It was once part of "Magna Graecia," a big area where ancient Greeks lived in southern Italy. Because of this, Apulia has always been known for growing lots of wine grapes and table grapes.
The grapes in the Uva di Puglia PGI group have been around for a long time. People first started noticing how special they were in the late 1800s. A man named Sergio Musci from a town called Bisceglie began selling them. He sent them to big cities in northern Italy like Bologna, Milan, and Turin.
These grapes were great because they stayed fresh and tasty for a long time. This made it possible to send them to other countries. In the early 1900s, a person named Cav. Francesco De Villagomez made the first export of these grapes to Germany. By 1975, Uva di Puglia grapes made up a huge part of all Italian table grapes sold to other countries. This showed how popular and important they were!
What Makes These Grapes Special?
The Uva di Puglia PGI includes several different kinds of grapes. Each one has its own unique features!
White Grapes
- Italia, Regina, and Victoria are the white grape types.
- They are a lovely straw-yellow color.
- These grapes have seeds inside.
- Their pulp is crunchy when you bite into it.
- The 'Italia' variety even has a special Moscato flavor, which is sweet and aromatic.
Red and Pink Grapes
- The red grape is called Michele Palieri. It has a dark color and a taste that is a little less sweet than the others.
- The pink grape is the Red Globe. This one is very sweet and perfect for making yummy desserts or jam!
When Are They Picked?
The harvesting time for these grapes varies:
- 'Victoria' and 'Michele Palieri' grapes are picked starting in the second half of July.
- The other types are harvested between late July and August.
Healthy and Delicious
These grapes are not just tasty; they are also good for you! They are full of natural sugars like glucose and mannose. They also have important minerals like potassium, iron, and phosphorus. Plus, they are rich in B vitamins, and vitamins C and K.
Where Are They Grown?
The Uva di Puglia PGI grapes are grown in almost all the towns and villages of Apulia. However, they are only grown in areas that are below 330 meters (about 1,082 feet) above sea level. This means villages in the Subappennino Dauno mountain area are not included.
The land where these grapes grow is special. It has a lot of calcium and potassium, which helps the grapes grow well. The climate is also mild, even during winter, which is perfect for these delicious grapes.
