As wine interest surges and purchasing opportunities improve, the Philippines is fast becoming a bright spot for wine distributors. Additionally, wine focused bars and restaurants continue to enhance the wine culture in the country. Seeing the potential of this emerging market, with a particular focus in Manila, a family-run winery, Tenuta Viglione, from the sun-soaked region of Puglia in Southern Italy, is exploring opportunities to expand its presence in the Philippines as part of its broader strategy to grow its markets in Southeast Asia.
Led by Giovanni Zullo, the winery’s third-generation owner, Tenuta Viglione was originally founded by his grandfather in 1937. The winery’s estate spans 160 hectares and is located in the heart of Gioia del Colle, a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) area on the Murge plateau in Puglia known for its ancient towns and panoramic karst landscape with steep cliffs, rugged hills, and underground caves. The winery’s vineyards, located at an average altitude of 400 meters above sea level, benefit from the area’s unique terroir and climate, which impart distinctive acidity and minerality to the wines.
Today, the winery is recognized for producing high-quality organic wines and has been committed to organic farming practices, crafting vino biologico (organic wine) since 1987. Their vineyards are certified organic and utilize sustainable viticulture methods, allowing the vines to thrive naturally to preserve the integrity of the grapes and the terroir while employing minimal intervention in the winemaking process.
Driven by the belief that native varieties are uniquely suited to the land, the estate devotes its vineyards to the area’s native and signature grape varieties, focusing on vinifying indigenous grapes. This choice is a fundamental part of the winery’s ethos, which emphasizes respect for the environment and a deep connection to the native grape varieties of the Puglia region.
Distributors and wine enthusiasts can explore a diverse selection of offerings from the winery, including white, red, and sparkling wines. Among Tenuta Viglione’s most celebrated wines is the full-bodied Primitivo, Puglia’s most esteemed grape. Other indigenous varieties include Negroamaro, prized for its deep color, medium-full tannins, and dark berry fruit flavors, as well as Susumaniello, an ancient grape that is among the world’s rarest.
The winery also offers lesser-known varieties like Verdeca, which features a distinct green hue and is favored by winemakers who embrace sustainable practices. Verdeca produces fresh, mineral-driven white wines with refreshing citrus and peach notes. Another noteworthy variety is Nero di Troia, one of Puglia’s finest grapes, often blended into wines for its bold character. This grape yields ruby-red wines with enticing aromas of blackberry and cherry, showcasing elegant tannins and a rich flavor profile.
Puglia’s allure has long captivated visitors with its timeless beauty, featuring dramatic sea cliffs, fascinating historic towns, and a rich cultural landscape. High-profile celebrities such as David and Victoria Beckham, Madonna, and George Clooney have chosen Puglia as their favorite getaway, while acclaimed actors like Helen Mirren, Meryl Streep, and French actor Gérard Depardieu have embraced the region’s southern charm as a second home. Recently, Stanley Tucci showcased Puglia in his CNN/BBC series Searching for Italy, further highlighting its unique appeal.
Despite its rising popularity and reputation as a leading producer of olive oil, Puglia’s wines often remain overlooked on the global stage, especially when compared to more renowned Italian regions like Tuscany and Piedmont. Nevertheless, Puglia’s wine offerings consistently impress even the most discerning connoisseurs, establishing the region as one of Italy’s most significant wine areas, with a unique identity and exceptional selections. As Tenuta Viglione expands its presence in the Philippines, it invites consumers to explore its distinctive, terroir-driven wines that capture the true essence of Puglia.
Learn more about Tenuta Viglione by vising their official site at tenutaviglione.com. For inquiries, contact the winery via +39 080 212 3661, or email them at [email protected].
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