From soldier to wine family: the roots of Cantine Minini
The story behind Terre Avare does not begin in Puglia, but in Lombardy. 1920, Francesco Minini, having just returned from the First World War, founded his wine trading company in Verolanuova with little capital but great determination. The Second World War destroyed his initial successes, but together with his sons Franco and Battista, Francesco Minini rebuilt the business with new vigor; at the beginning of the 1960s, the move to the company headquarters still in use today followed.
Over the decades, the family forged partnerships with winemakers in Italy's most important growing regions and thus expanded their portfolio – a path that paved the way for the wines to enter international markets. Today, Mario Minini, the third generation, leads the company, whose wines are now distributed worldwide.
Two friends, one goal: quality in Puglia
Terre Avare also emerged from this expansion strategy: Mario Minini teamed up with his friend Vincenzo, whose family has been producing wine in Puglia for many generations, to start the "Quality in Puglia" project. Vincenzo contributed the vineyards and the local winery, while Mario Minini provided the capital and his experience with high-quality wines from northern Italy.
The focus is on indigenous grape varieties such as Primitivo, Negroamaro, and Nero di Troia from the Salento peninsula. The goal of the two was and is to offer the typical red wines of southern Italy at a high quality level at moderate prices – traditional vinification meets modern cellar technology.
Primitivo, Negroamaro, and Nero di Troia: the south reinterpreted
The Terre Avare line features a contemporary design and includes not only the Primitivo Puglia IGT but also a Negroamaro del Salento and a Primitivo di Manduria DOC. The Primitivo Puglia IGT presents itself in blackberry red with violet reflections; on the nose, notes of dark berries, a hint of vanilla and cocoa; on the palate, it is velvety, fleshy, and carried by juicy fruit. It pairs well with Mediterranean dishes, grilled meat, as well as hearty pork, beef, lamb, and game dishes and strong cheese.
The Nero di Troia IGT appears cherry red in the glass, with a bouquet of ripe blueberries and juicy cherries; on the palate, a harmonious interplay of fruit, freshness, and fine tannins, which ends in a fresh, fruity finish. Served at 16 to 18 °C, it pairs well with pasta and Mediterranean cuisine.
