The grapes come from a vineyard in Contrada di Monte la Conca at 100 metres elevation. The climate is characterised by high temperatures all year round, with little rainfall and a wide diurnal temperature range, which leads to concentrated fruit with a lovely balance. The soil is loamy, finely textured and a generally calcareous limestone subsoil with a few emerging rocks. The well-known reddish colour of the topsoil is due to the high presence of iron oxide. The sea breezes that influence the vineyard help to keep the vines healthy. The vines are Alberello-trained; the traditional Apulian practice of cultivating head-trained bush vines guarantees low yields, excellent quality and great phenolic concentration. Emergency irrigation takes place if required to alleviate the water stress during the intense summer heat, along with water-saving practices, such as special soil tillage that reduces the capillary rise of water and consequent evaporation. Hand-harvesting of slightly overripe grapes.