Puglia, or Apulia as it is called in English, is
Italy's boot heel, its southeastern most
region.
Gateway to and from the East, it has been conquered
by legions of foreign rulers, most
of whom were careful to live elsewhere.
The notable exception was Frederick II (1194-1250),
the last Emperor of the Hohenstaufen line.
An enlightened man, he built many castles which still grace the region,
along with acres
and acres of vineyards and olive groves.
Apulia produces one-tenth of the wine drunk in
Europe; its olive oil is renowned.
Traditionally both of these commodities were mainly used to
dilute their finer counterparts
up north, but lately the local
food artisans have begun creating some first-rate oils and vintages
that are
available throughout the region.
They perfectly complement the super-fresh seafood and
vegetables that are the staples of
la tavola pugliese.
