Discover the ultra-local red wine with a strange name, a deep soul, and just 26 hectares of production.
- What is Cacc’e Mmitte di Lucera DOC?
- The Fascinating Story Behind Italy’s Most Unusual Wine Name
- Where It’s Made: Geography & Terroir
- The Blend: Grapes Behind the Mystery
- The Art of Southern Italian Winemaking
- Key Facts at a Glance
- Tasting Notes
- Serving & Pairing Ideas
- Where to Buy & Pricing
- FAQ on Cacc’e Mmitte di Lucera
- Fun Facts & Cultural Notes
- Explore More Hidden Wine Gems
What is Cacc’e Mmitte di Lucera DOC?
Cacc’e Mmitte di Lucera (pronounced KAH-chay MEE-tay dee Loo-CHER-ah) is one of Italy’s smallest and most obscure DOC wines, produced in the hills around Lucera, a historic town in northern Puglia, not Piedmont as many mistakenly assume.This tiny DOC—covering just 26 hectares—produces a rustic, vibrant red wine with a quirky name and an even quirkier backstory. It’s a wine with serious cultural roots, made in the traditions of Southern Italian winemaking and designed for convivial drinking, often in clay cups and around village tables.
The Fascinating Story Behind Italy’s Most Unusual Wine Name
“Cacc’e Mmitte” is a dialect phrase that loosely translates to “pour out and pour in”—a reference to the communal winemaking tradition of sharing the palmento, or traditional open fermentation tank.
In the old days, local farmers would take turns using the same palmento: one had to “cacciare” (take out) their must to make way for the next to “mettere” (put in) theirs. This created a rotating system of winemaking cooperation—deeply rooted in Lucera’s agricultural history.The name is so specific to this region that it literally can’t be translated—which only adds to its intrigue and discovery potential.
Where It’s Made: Geography & Terroir
Lucera lies in northern Puglia, in the province of Foggia, not far from the Gargano Peninsula. Unlike the hot, flat vineyards of central Puglia, this area is cooler and hillier, offering ideal growing conditions for red grapes with natural acidity and aromatic complexity.
- Altitude: 200–300 meters
- Soils: Sandy-clay with limestone pockets
- Climate: Mediterranean with strong diurnal shifts, enhancing freshness
Despite Puglia’s reputation for bulk wine, this micro-zone is qualitatively distinct, producing wines with surprising finesse and savory depth.
The Blend: Grapes Behind the Mystery
Cacc’e Mmitte di Lucera is always a blend, with Nero di Troia as its dominant grape—typically making up 35–60% of the wine. The rest is filled in by:
- Montepulciano (15–30%)
- Sangiovese (up to 25%)
- White grapes like Malvasia Bianca or Trebbiano Toscano (up to 15%)
This co-fermentation of red and white grapes is a Southern Italian signature, meant to soften the tannins and elevate the aromatics—adding to the wine’s drinkability.
The Art of Southern Italian Winemaking
Unlike the pristine stainless-steel fermentations of the north, Cacc’e Mmitte was historically fermented in stone palmenti, with grapes foot-trodden and wines racked by hand.
Even today, some producers carry forward these rustic traditions:
- Alberto Longo uses old cement tanks and spontaneous fermentation, marrying rustic methods with modern cleanliness.
- Paolo Petrilli, a biodynamic pioneer, employs minimal intervention and manual harvesting, with a focus on authenticity and sustainability.
This reflects a broader Southern Italian wine philosophy: community over commerce, soul over polish.
Key Facts at a Glance
| Feature | Detail |
| Region | Puglia (Lucera, Foggia Province) |
| DOC Established | 1975 |
| Grape Blend | Nero di Troia, Montepulciano, Sangiovese, Malvasia Bianca |
| Total Vineyard Area | ~26 hectares |
| Annual Bottles | Fewer than 100,000 |
| Best Producers | Alberto Longo, Paolo Petrilli |
Tasting Notes
Expect a medium-bodied red with rustic charm and surprising finesse.
Aromas:
- Dried cherry
- Crushed herbs
- Leather
- Wild fennel
Palate:
- Earthy and savory
- Moderate tannins
- Notes of red plum, tomato leaf, and dried rose
- Clean, refreshing finish with food-friendly acidity
Serving & Pairing Ideas
Serve at: 16–18°C (light chill recommended in summer)
Pair with:
- Orecchiette with turnip tops
- Roasted lamb or pork
- Hard sheep’s cheeses like Pecorino di Puglia
- Taralli and olives for an aperitivo with soul
This wine was made to wash down hearty, salty food, not sip in solitude.
Where to Buy & Pricing
Cacc’e Mmitte di Lucera is available from select Italian wine retailers and online platforms like:
- Wine-Searcher
- Callmewine.com
- Eataly
Expect prices around €12–16 ($13–18) per bottle. It’s one of the best values in authentic Italian wine culture.
FAQ on Cacc’e Mmitte di Lucera
What are some unknown Italian wines worth trying?
Cacc’e Mmitte di Lucera, Lacrima di Morro d’Alba, and Grignolino are all excellent hidden gems.
How do I find authentic Italian wine experiences?
Look for small DOCs like this one, visit during local wine festivals, and connect with producers who follow traditional methods.
What makes Southern Italian wines different?
They often blend red and white grapes, favor bold, earthy flavors, and are deeply tied to local food and tradition.Are there wine festivals in Puglia?
Yes! Lucera hosts the Festival del Cacc’e Mmitte each fall, celebrating the harvest and the DOC’s heritage.
Fun Facts & Cultural Notes
- The DOC’s name is not Italian, but Luceran dialect, and locals insist it be written exactly as “Cacc’e Mmitte.”
- Producers used to rent palmento space by the hour, rotating usage between families.
- Only ~12 producers bottle this wine commercially, yet it’s still a source of local pride.
The town of Lucera was once a Roman military colony and later a Saracen stronghold—a cultural melting pot reflected in its cuisine and wine.
Explore More Hidden Wine Gems
- Brachetto d’Acqui: Italy’s Sweet Red Sparkler
- Verduno Pelaverga: Piedmont’s Whisper of Spice
- Cesanese del Piglio: Rome’s Forgotten Red
- Grignolino d’Asti: The Pale Red With Attitude
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