($22):  A massive bottle plus a 15 percent stated-alcohol accurately predicts the style of the wine before you pull the cork.  Mild and suave tannins lend needed support to the fruity richness.  The level of alcohol and the ripe dark fruit quality explains a hint of sweetness in the finish. … Read more

($20, Ste. Michelle Wine Estates):  You know there must be potential for excellent wine in Puglia, the heel of the Italian boot, when Antinori establishes an outpost, Tormaresca, there.  The region is known for big reds, like this one, made from the Primitivo grape, which genetically is identical to Zinfandel. … Read more

($16, Montcalm Wine Importers):  Negroamaro, which literally means black and bitter, is a marketing nightmare.  But don’t let that deter your buying this bargain red that delivers more than its price suggests.  With both black cherry-like fruitiness and delicate herbal notes, it’s more savory than fruity. … Read more

($17, San Marzano USA):  Puglia, in Italy’s heel, is home to rich red wines, in part, because of the area’s warmth and sunshine.  It is also home to lots of small grape growers, many of whom are interested in making wine. … Read more

($17):  Nero di Troia, a virtually unknown grape outside of Puglia, is capable of making attractively rustic — in a good way — wine.  This one packs a punch, but without the rough tannins that frequently accompany that kind of power. … Read more

($15): Alberto Longo is a name to remember.  Anyone who can make such a bright and lively white wine in Puglia, home to big reds, is a producer to know.  This Falanghina is floral and fresh with laser-like precision in the finish. … Read more

($20, T. Edward Wines): To use a highly technical word to describe this wine, yummy!  It’s both refined and exotic with black cherry-like notes balanced by earthy ones so it’s not just fruity.  It has good weight and density without being heavy. … Read more

($19): One of the advantages of an impossible to pronounce DOC, such as Cacc’e Mmitte di Lucera (very roughly, ca-tch-y mint-y di lu-chair-a) is that the wines are underpriced for what they deliver because consumers are afraid — or can’t — order them. … Read more

($27): Puglia’s Nero di Troia grape is a hidden gem.  Another ancient export from Greece, Nero di Troia (Black from Troy) delivers a winsome combination of fruit and earth when handled correctly, as in this case.  Masseria San Magno’s has an enticing, gamey nuance and a vivacity that balances its black-fruit footprint. … Read more

($15, Quintessential Wines): Puglia, the “heel” of Italy’s “boot,” is home to some amazing and well-priced wines.  This one, and Vallone’s Vigna Flamino, are two that should not be missed because they offer incredible enjoyment at an affordable price.  The Salice Salentino Riserva, made entirely from Negroamaro, is a hefty wine, but not overdone, with an alluring subtle bitterness in the finish. … Read more

($15, Quintessential Wines): Similar to Vallone’s Salice Salentino Riserva, this wine is also a wonderfully expressive gem from Puglia.  A blend of Negroamaro (80%) and Montepulciano, it’s slightly less dense and a touch brighter and more energetic than its stable mate. … Read more