Rivera’s Pungirosa is exactly the kind of rosé we love to sneak into the “serious wine” conversation before anyone realizes what happened. Made from Bombino Nero in Puglia’s Castel del Monte area, this is not your basic patio pink—it has real regional identity, bright fruit, and just enough savory snap to keep things interesting.

In the glass, it leans pale onion-skin with a purple-pink glint, then opens with wild strawberry, red cherry, currant, rose, and a little herbal lift. The palate is juicy and fresh, with smooth texture, lively acidity, and a subtle mineral edge that keeps the finish crisp and clean. It’s easygoing, but not forgettable—perfect with aperitivo snacks, prosciutto and melon, caprese, seafood, lighter pastas, or anything that wants a chill, food-friendly rosé with more personality than usual.

About the Winery

The winery bears the name of the noble Rivera family (who farmed the property for centuries prior), but it has been owned and operated by the De Corato family since 1921. Beginning with Giusseppe a farmer with entrepreneurial spirit and then into the hands of Sebastiano his visionary son, followed by his son Carlo and now 100 years later to the current generation brothers Marco & Sebastiano. Needless to say, Pugliese winemaking is in the blood. Located in the Castel del Monte area, the estate vineyards span 75 hectares and are planted to many native vines like Nero di Troia, 
Bombino Bianco & Bombino Nero. Stretching down the peninsula into Manduria & Salento they source fruit from age-old growing partners for their Primitivo & Negroamaro, which are better suited in the hot and dry plains that slope toward the sea. Over the years each generation contributes something new to push the family business into the modern era be it solar energy or temp-controlled cement tanks, yet never losing sight of traditional varieties and winemaking known in the territory.