Description
The Terra d’Otranto PDO is reserved for the following typologies of wine: White, Red, Rosé, Spumante and Spumante Rosé. The Designation also incorporates numerous grape variety specifications.
Production Area
The production area of Terra d’Otranto PDO is within the entire territory of the provinces of Lecce, Brindisi and Taranto, in the Apulia region.
Blends
White: min. 75% Chardonnay, pure or with the addition of grape berries similar in colour and originating from other grape varieties suitable for cultivation in the concerned area, max. 25%.Red (incl. Riserva), Rosé: min. 75% individually or combined Negroamaro, Primitivo, Malvasia Nera, Malvasia Nera di Lecce, Malvasia Nera di Brindisi, Malvasia Nera di Basilicata, pure or with the addition of grape berries similar in colour and originating from other grape varieties suitable for cultivation in the concerned area, max. 25%. Spumante Bianco: min. 75% Chardonnay, pure or with the addition of grape berries similar in colour and originating from other grape varieties suitable for cultivation in the concerned area, max. 25%. Spumante Rosé, Semi-Sparkling Rosé: min. 70% Negroamaro, pure or with the addition of grape berries similar in colour and originating from other grape varieties suitable for cultivation in the concerned area, max. 30%.
Description of product typologies
Terra d’Otranto PDO Bianco is straw-yellow in colour, varying in intensity; the nose reveals notes of ripe white fruit and peach flesh, banana and exotic fruit, which are enriched with floral and mineral sensations; the palate corresponds with the nose, with a sensation of fruit and undertones of sapidity and aromatic herbs. Terra d’Otranto PDO Rosso has a ruby-red colour, varying in intensity, acquiring garnet-red highlights with aging; the nose reveals a fragrance of ripe fruit which is balanced with complex notes of sweet spices and rich aromas of cocoa and tobacco leaves; the rich and embracing fabric of the wine is supported by a tannic vein and persistent spiciness. It can display Riserva on the label if the wine has been aged for a minimum period of 24 months, commencing November 1st of the year in which the grapes were produced. Terra d’Otranto PDO Rosé is pink in colour, varying in intensity; the nose reveals fragrances of petals and roses, with delicate suggestions of fresh fruit supported by aromatic herbs; the freshness of the fruit on the palate alternates with flavours of flowers and scented wild herbs. Terra d’Otranto PDO Spumante is straw-yellow in colour, varying in intensity, and has a fine and consistent perlage; the nose reveals delicate notes of fruit and hints of bread crust; the palate offers sensations of freshness and harmony, with a well-balanced tart note. Terra d’Otranto PDO Spumante Rosé is various shades of pink in colour and has a pleasantly persistent perlage; the nose reveals a bouquet reminiscent of yeasts, with aromas of fresh and fragrant fruit; it is lively and harmonious on the palate, highlighting the structure and acidity of this wine. Terra d’Otranto PDO wines cannot be made available for consumption before January 1st of the year following that in which the grapes were produced. For all of the typologies of wine the grapes may be dried on the vines or in chests in drying rooms with controlled temperature, humidity and ventilation.
Grape variety specifications
The Terra d’Otranto PDO may display the specifications of the following grape varieties. From white grape varieties (incl. Semi-Sparkling): min. 90% Chardonnay, Malvasia Bianca (and/or Malvasia di Candia and/or Malvasia Bianca Lunga), Verdeca, Fiano, pure or with the addition of grape berries similar in colour and originating from other grape varieties suitable for cultivation in the concerned area, max. 10%. From red grape varieties: min. 90% Aleatico, Malvasia Nera (and/or Malvasia Nera di Lecce and/or Malvasia Nera di Brindisi and/or Malvasia Nera di Basilicata), Primitivo, pure or with the addition of grape berries similar in colour and originating from other grape varieties suitable for cultivation in the concerned area, max. 10%. The characteristics of the colour, fragrances and flavour of each specification are those typical of the grape variety and terroir of origin. Terra d’Otranto PDO Primitivo wine cannot be made available for consumption before March 31st of the year following that in which the grapes were produced.
Additional specifications
The Terra d’Otranto PDO designation can be followed by Vigna (Vineyard) with the relative toponym.