Introduction

Puglia, the sun-drenched region in Southern Italy, is a land of rich history, stunning landscapes, and, most importantly, exceptional cuisine. Known as "Italy’s breadbasket," this region is celebrated for its fresh, simple, and flavourful dishes, often crafted using just a handful of high-quality ingredients. At Terre di San Vito, we honour Puglia’s culinary heritage with our carefully curated selection of organic wines and extra virgin olive oils, bringing the true taste of the region to food lovers everywhere.

In this blog, we’ll explore the traditional flavours of Puglia, the ingredients that define its cuisine, and how you can recreate authentic Italian dishes at home with our wines and olive oils.

The Essence of Puglian Cuisine

Puglian cuisine is built on simplicity and authenticity. Unlike the rich, heavy sauces of Northern Italy, Puglia’s culinary traditions focus on fresh, local ingredients, allowing their natural flavours to shine. Olive oil, pasta, seafood, and seasonal vegetables form the foundation of many traditional dishes, while wine plays a key role in enhancing the dining experience.

At Terre di San Vito, our extra virgin olive oil is produced from hand-harvested olives, cold-pressed to preserve its rich, fruity aroma. Our organic wines, including the Cantiniere Primitivo and Apeneste Sauvignon Blanc, reflect the sun-soaked vineyards of Puglia, offering the perfect pairings for traditional meals.

Let’s take a closer look at some of Puglia’s most iconic dishes and how our products can help you bring authentic Italian flavours into your own kitchen.

Puglian Dishes and Perfect Pairings

1. Orecchiette with Broccoli Rabe & Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Orecchiette, meaning "little ears," is Puglia’s most famous pasta. This dish is traditionally served with broccoli rabe (cime di rapa), garlic, chilli, and a generous drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. The result is a dish that is both simple and bursting with flavour.

How to make it:

• Cook orecchiette pasta in salted boiling water.
• Sauté garlic and chilli in Terre di San Vito’s extra virgin olive oil.
• Add broccoli rabe and cook until tender.
• Toss with the pasta, adding more olive oil before serving.

Pairing suggestion: Serve with a crisp Apeneste Sauvignon Blanc, whose fresh acidity complements the earthy, slightly bitter notes of the broccoli rabe.

2. Grilled Lamb with Primitivo Wine

Puglia is known for its roast and grilled meats, especially lamb, which is often cooked over an open flame and seasoned with fresh herbs and olive oil.

How to make it:

• Marinate lamb chops with olive oil, rosemary, garlic, salt, and pepper.
• Grill over high heat until slightly charred and cooked to your preference.
• Serve with roasted vegetables and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.

Pairing suggestion: A bold red like Cantiniere Primitivo pairs beautifully with grilled meats, thanks to its rich dark fruit notes, smooth tannins, and hints of spice.

3. Fresh Seafood & Apeneste Sauvignon Blanc

With miles of coastline, Puglia is famous for its fresh seafood, from octopus and mussels to swordfish and prawns. Simple preparations, using olive oil, lemon, and fresh herbs, allow the flavours to shine.

How to make it:

• Grill prawns or white fish with a marinade of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and parsley.
• Serve with a light side salad and crusty bread drizzled with extra virgin olive oil.

Pairing suggestion: The Apeneste Sauvignon Blanc enhances seafood dishes with its zesty citrus notes and refreshing minerality.

4. Pane e Pomodoro (Bread and Tomato) & Extra Virgin Olive Oil

One of the simplest yet most delicious dishes in Puglia is pane e pomodoro – a humble but flavourful combination of bread, fresh tomatoes, salt, and olive oil.

How to make it:

• Toast thick slices of rustic Italian bread.
• Rub with garlic and ripe tomatoes.
• Drizzle generously with Terre di San Vito’s extra virgin olive oil and season with sea salt.

This dish is proof that the best meals require only a few exceptional ingredients.

Pairing suggestion: A glass of Cantiniere Primitivo adds depth to this dish, with its fruity and spicy notes complementing the natural sweetness of the tomatoes.

5. Puglian Cheeses & Wine Pairings

No Italian meal is complete without cheese. Puglia is known for burrata, pecorino, and caciocavallo, each offering unique textures and flavours.

• Burrata & Apeneste Sauvignon Blanc – The crisp acidity of this white wine cuts through the creamy richness of burrata.
• Pecorino & Cantiniere Primitivo – Aged pecorino pairs well with Primitivo’s bold, fruity character.
• Caciocavallo & Cantiniere Primitivo – This aged cheese’s nutty, caramelised notes complement Primitivo’s depth.

Bringing Puglian Flavours to Your Home

If you want to experience the true taste of Puglia, start by using high-quality ingredients like extra virgin olive oil and organic wines. These simple yet flavourful additions can transform everyday meals into authentic Italian experiences.

Here are some easy ways to introduce Puglian flavours into your cooking:

• Drizzle extra virgin olive oil over pasta, vegetables, and soups for a finishing touch.
• Pair meals with wine to enhance the flavours and create a restaurant-quality dining experience at home.
• Use fresh, seasonal ingredients to keep dishes light, nutritious, and full of Mediterranean goodness.

At Terre di San Vito, our products capture the essence of Puglian cuisine, allowing you to bring authentic Italian flavours to your own kitchen.

Conclusion

Experience the best of Puglia with Terre di San Vito. Our Cantiniere Primitivo, Apeneste Sauvignon Blanc, and extra virgin olive oil are crafted with care to bring the authentic taste of Italy to your table.

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