In the mid-1990s, Piero Antinori travelled to Puglia with Renzo Cotarella on an exploratory trip that he says opened their eyes to the area’s potential. “It was immediately clear to us that though this region had a proud history and ancient grapes that dated back to the days of the Magna Graecia, it had yet to blossom fully in oenological terms.” Together, they took the reins of the Tormaresca estate in 2009, championing indigenous grape varieties from the Salento and Primitivo di Manduria DOC area in a new dawn of quality Puglian wine. The estate works with Fiano Pugliese, Negroamaro, Primitivo, and Aglianico – Masseria Maime is regularly one of Puglia’s best. The Chardonnay-ripe Pietra Bianca has been monikered the ‘Cervaro of the south’. Vineyards are planted unusually densely, giving extra depth to otherwise fresh, vibrant and elegant wines thanks to the abundant sunshine and wave-kissed terroir.