TERRITORY
Salento: Land of Wines and Ancient Denominations in the Heart of the Mediterranean
A strip of land surrounded by the sea, the Messapia, as Salento was called in classical antiquity, because it was bordered by both the Ionian and Adriatic Seas. A crossroads for many populations due to its strategic location, Salento has always been invaded, colonized, and ruled throughout the centuries. Among these, the Greeks played a significant role, bringing and establishing the main red grape varieties. Situated in the heart of the Mediterranean, Salento is the first to witness the dawn, as the winery is located in the southeasternmost area of Italy, on the Adriatic coast. The land is arid yet ideal for many crops, such as the vine, which has found its natural habitat here, where clay predominates with a good percentage of sand. Red soil patches alternate across the landscape, with countless nuances depending on their components.
The Harmony Between Land, Sea, and Wine
Salento is also this: an endless landscape of shades. We live in a flat land, 'flat' as tourists who visit us like to say, with the vineyards planted just a few meters above sea level. The summer climate is very hot, but the vine manages to quench its thirst thanks to its deep roots that reach the underlying aquifers. Close to the sea and protected from the strong mistral winds by the lush Mediterranean scrub, the vineyard thrives, yielding its fruit in a perfect microclimate. We love to define our wines as IDENTITARI because they fully represent the territory, and MEDITERRANEAN because they pair wonderfully with Mediterranean cuisine.
Otranto: Historical Roots and Viticultural Renaissance
In Roman times, Otranto was called Hydruntum after the Hydrus river that ran through the valley where the town was located. Today, Otranto is not only known for the ‘O’ of Otranto. The appeal of Hydruntum continues to attract tourists from all over the world, curious to explore this land rich in history, traditions, cultures, and flavors. The Otranto area has historically been characterized by the cultivation of Vitis vinifera and vine cuttings. In the past, many vines were uprooted to make room for other crops. Fortunately, the area is being repopulated with beautiful vines, benefiting from the recent production regulations of the controlled designation of origin "Terra d’Otranto," which some of our wines are part of. Other wines from the winery are IGT Puglia and IGT Salento, and as such, they are also deeply connected to the territory.
