Salento, also known as “Land of Otranto” or “Japigia”, is the southernmost part of Italy, the “hill of the boot”. The land of Salento extends for around 5000 Kmq, 40 km wide and 150 km long, and is located between the Adriatic and the Ionian sea. 

 

 

 

 

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Thanks to the proximity of the sea, the climate of the region is fairly mild in winter and the absence of mountains allows the winds to cross the region. These characteristics have been ideal to the growth of vines and olive trees, which even today characterize the landascapes of Salento. Peculiar to the region are also the white stone walls that in the countryside mark the border between properties and on which cactus pears grow naturally.

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The history of vines and olive trees in the region is very old, as they were first brought by middle-eastern populations coming from the East.  The Messapians first, followed by the Greeks and Latin later, have contributed to enrich the history of the Salento and have left their heritage in the culture and dialect of the region.

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The typical vines 

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Primitivo

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The name comes from the early ripening of the vine, which is generally end of August. It is the most famous and distinct vine of Salento and has been cultivated in the region since the ancient times. When used pure produces wines of bright red color with purple shades, spicy aromas and full strong taste.

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Black Malvasia from Brindisi or Lecce 

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The Malvasia vine was first introduced in Italy by the Greek populations that in the ancient times inhabited the region. Nowadays it is rarely used pure, and differently from other Malvasia grapes in Italy lacks the typical muscat flavour and is slightly aromatic. It is most often mixed in different percentages to other grapes, such as Negroamaro, and produces a ruby red wine with an harmonious taste. 

 

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Negroamaro

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The Negroamaro vine were first introduced by the Greeks in the villages of the Ionian coasts in the area of Taranto. Negro Amaro is one of the most important vine of southern Italy, used both pure and mixed with other typical vines from the region. It produces a dark red wine with aroma of ripe red fruits and a smooth taste.