Our first stop: amazing Amastuola

Beatrice De Mahieu · August 11, 2021

What an amazing view when arriving at the Masseria Amastuola... centuries-old olive trees along the path (some are 800 years old and have a diameter that exceeds 2.5 metres!) guiding us towards the 15th century perfectly restored mansion.

On the right, the valley with the vineyard, designed by Fernando Caruncho. The vineyard draws parallel waves that follow each other for about 3 km. The were defined by their author himself as “waves of time that have been crossing this place since times immemorial”.

Some History

The Masseria is settled in the so called “Terra delle Gravine” Regional Park. It’s former property of Giovanni Antonio Orsini, prince of Taranto, in the first half of the 15th century. In 1699, The D’Afflitto family obtained the concession for the exploitation of these lands. But prosperity for the property was no so obvious, and it’s only on the second generation that it started to slowly flourish.

But times were difficult, and as well explained in the research of Prof. Cosmino Mottolese “In 1773, Andrea donated all his assets to Saverio D’Ajala of Taranto, in exchange for an annual life annuity of 1,200 ducats, to reciprocate the generosity with which the latter had supported his family in times of crisis. Following an afterthought, Andrea tried to get back into possession through appeals in court but, despite the judicial seizure of the Farm and despite the drafting of a will, whereby he ordered that the ownership should be restricted, the Farm remained in the possession of the D’Ajala family until the mid 20th century.”

And what about today? The Masseria has been owned by the Kikau Group (of the Montanaro family) since 2003.

Due to the protected historical character of the Masseria, the Montanaro family could not install the winery within the Masseria, so it's located some km futher, where the Montanaro family also have other activities of the Kikau Group.

Giuseppe Montanaro, today 81, is surrounded by his 3 children and stepchildren, to make you the best wines and the best travel experience for people staying into the soft and stylish luxury of the Masseria transformed in a hotel of 18 room.

The wines

Puglia is of course THE region for enjoying a good Promitivo wine. At Amastuola, there are 3 wines that are 100% Primitivo: First the “Primitivo”, second the “Lamarossa” and 3rd, the Centosassi (15,5°!!!) The Lamarossa is the “middle” one. The main difference is the maturing of the grapes and the number of months in the barrel.

But, Amastuola also has some interesting white wines: the "Bianco Salento" is done with Malvasia and Fiano grape variety. It is fresh, aromatic with floral tones and with a citrus and pear palate, that will perfectly accompany an aperitivo, a cheese plate, seafood or risotto.

At Chill, we propose you one of their (and our) bestsellers: the Lamarossa, at a price of 15euro => Find it HERE

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