Terra d’Otranto

The Protected Designation of Origin "Terra d'Otranto" identifies white wines (also in the spumante version), rose wines (with spumante and sparkling variants) and red wines (also with reserve mention). In addition, there are numerous single-variety productions: Chardonnay (also sparkling), white Malvasia (also sparkling), Fiano (also sparkling), Verdeca (also sparkling), Aleatico, black Malvasia and Primitivo.

Grapes

The "Terra d'Otranto Bianco" and the Spumante variant are vinified from grapes from vineyards composed of Chardonnay vines, for at least 75%. For red and rosé wines, on the other hand, 75% of Negroamaro, Primitivo, Malvasia Nera, Malvasia Nera di Lecce, Malvasia Nera di Brindisi and Malvasia Nera di Basilicata are required, either alone or in combination; these can be accompanied by other black grapes, identified as above. An exception to this is the sparkling rosé wine, which requires 70% Negroamaro. All wines with an indication of grape variety, however, require that this represents 90% of the grapes. Finally, in all productions, the use of other similar grape varieties, suitable for cultivation in Puglia, in the area "Salento - Arco Jonico - Salentino", is allowed.

Physicochemical and Organoleptic properties

The whites (minimum total alcoholic strength by volume 11.5% vol) are straw yellow in colour, with different intensity and possible greenish reflections; the aroma is characteristic, delicate and, when young, also fruity; on the palate it is fresh and harmonious. The rosés (12.5% vol.) have a tonality that can be more or less intense, associated with a delicate and fruity aroma and a full and harmonious taste. The reds (12.5% vol.), on the other hand, are ruby red with possible reflections that tend towards garnet red, especially with ageing; the aroma is intense and goes well with a full, harmonious flavour.

Grape production area

The production area consists of two areas: the Ionic Arch and the Salento peninsula.

Specificity and historical notes

Viticulture, which began with the Phoenicians in 2000 BC, has experienced continuous growth over the centuries, until the Salento area came to establish itself as a winery in Europe, in 1600.