Prestigious recognitions from Robert Parker confirm the excellence of Rivera wines and the value of the Castel del Monte territory
The October 2025 edition of Robert Parker – The Wine Advocate, one of the world’s most authoritative wine publications, once again celebrates the quality of Rivera wines and the unique potential of the rocky Murgia area within the DOC and DOCG Castel del Monte appellations.
In her report “Italy, Southern Italy: New Releases from Basilicata, Calabria, Molise & Puglia”, critic Monica Larner provides a clear reading of Puglia’s role within the Italian wine landscape, highlighting how, precisely in the northern part of the region – on the limestone hills of Castel del Monte – one can discover some of the most balanced, fresh, and refined expressions in all of Southern Italy.
“In the Castel del Monte DOCG, on the Murgia plateau, truly interesting discoveries can be made,” writes Larner, emphasizing the strong identity of native grape varieties such as Nero di Troia and Bombino Nero, as well as the remarkable work conducted on white varieties like Minutolo and Verdeca.
A profile that stands in clear contrast to the warmer, more powerful style of the southernmost areas of the region, which the critic describes as: “Here, wines can be defined as ‘pugilistic,’ because they release extraordinary power. Although these warm-climate wines often rich, concentrated, and high in alcohol are not my absolute favorites…”
All four wines reviewed rank among the highest quality tier of the denomination, with evaluations that reward elegance, territorial identity, and the ability to best interpret the viticultural heritage of the Murgia.
Il Falcone – Castel del Monte Rosso Riserva DOCG 201992/100
Grapes: 70% Nero di Troia, 30% Montepulciano
“This is one of Puglia’s flagship wines, recognized as one of the key bottles in the so-called “Puglia Wine Renaissance” that began about two decades ago. The 2019 Il Falcone shows a more balanced and fresher profile compared to the riper and sweeter wines made further south in Salento. The nose offers tart cherry and plum, while the palate is medium to full-bodied with excellent harmony. Fermented in stainless steel and aged equally in large oak and barrique. 110,000 bottles produced, 13.5% alc.”
Download Il Falcone 2019 Robert Parker 92
Puer Apuliae – Castel del Monte Nero di Troia Riserva DOCG 201892/100
Grape: Nero di Troia
“Made with 100% Nero di Troia, this wine is named after Emperor Frederick II of Hohenstaufen (1194–1250), known as the “Son of Apulia.” The 2018 Puer Apuliae pays homage to the famous
octagonal fortress Castel del Monte (depicted on Italy’s one-cent euro coin) built by the emperor nearby. Legend connects this native grape to ancient Troia, near Foggia, allegedly founded by the Greek hero Diomedes after the Trojan War. This is a balanced and graceful wine with dark currant, blueberry, and toasted spice. The aromas are subtle, and the wine—matured in both barrique and tonneaux—offers a silky, medium-to-full-bodied mouthfeel. Production: 12,500 heavy glass bottles.”Download Puer Apuliae 2018 Robert Parker 92
Cappellaccio – Castel del Monte Aglianico Riserva DOC 201988/100
Grape: Aglianico
“This Aglianico from northern Puglia stands out for its rich and broad texture, with aromas of black cherry, bitter chocolate, and spice (derived from aging in barrique, tonneaux, and large casks). The effect here is softer and less mineral-driven than examples from the volcanic soils of Campania and Basilicata. The only drawback is the somewhat heavy use of oak. 25,000 bottles produced.”
Scariazzo – Fiano Puglia IGT 202388/100
Grape: Fiano
“The 2023 Fiano Scariazzo is an open-knit white with notes of pear, apple, and ripe melon. There is a hint of waxiness and glycerin on the medium-bodied palate. Fresh overall, though slightly weighed down mid-palate. Partially fermented in tonneaux (20%) and aged in cement vats for nine months on the fine lees. 12,500 bottles produced.”
An important recognition for this territory: the Murgia.
Beyond the scores, the value of Robert Parker’s report lies in the broader picture it outlines: Puglia, often associated with powerful and concentrated wines, finds in the Murgia and Castel del Monte its freshest, brightest, and most authentic expression.
Limestone soils, higher altitudes, native grape varieties, and an extreme Mediterranean climate give rise as Larner underlines to wines capable of surprising with their balance and elegance.
For Rivera, a historic interpreter and ambassador of this territory since 1950, these evaluations represent a confirmation of the path undertaken: enhancing native grape varieties, preserving the authenticity of the Murgia, and telling through wine its history and culture.