Description
The Terra d’Otranto PDO is reserved for the following types of wine: White, Red, Rosé, Spumante and Rosé Spumante. 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.
Description of product typologies
Terra d’Otranto PDO Bianco is straw-yellow, varying in intensity, at times with greenish reflections; the nose reveals notes of ripe white fruit and the pulp of peach, banana and exotic fruit, enriched with floral and mineral sensations; the taste corresponds with the nose, with a fruity sensation emphasised by sapidity and aromatic herbs. Terra d’Otranto PDO Rosso is ruby red, varying in intensity, at times acquiring garnet red reflections with ageing; the nose reveals a fragrance of ripe fruit, balanced by 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 Rosato is pink, varying in intensity; the nose reveals fragrances of rose petals and delicate sensations of fresh fruit supported by aromatic herbs; the fruity freshness on the palate alternates with flowers and scented wild herbs. Terra d’Otranto PDO Spumante is straw-yellow, varying in intensity, and has a fine, consistent perlage; the nose reveals delicate notes of fruit and hints of bread crust; it offers sensations of freshness and harmony on the palate, with a well-balanced tart note. Terra d’Otranto PDO Spumante Rosé is various shades of pink and has a pleasantly persistent perlage; the bouquet reveals hints reminiscent of yeasts, with aromas of fresh fragrant fruit; it is lively and harmonious on the palate, the latter highlighting the structure and acidity of the wine. Terra d’Otranto PDO wines cannot be released for consumption before January 1st of the year following that in which the grapes were produced. For all of the types of wine the grapes can be dried on the vines, on matting, or in crates, also placed in drying rooms with controlled temperature, humidity and ventilation.
Grape variety specifications
The Terra d’Otranto PDO may display the following grape variety specifications. 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 similarly-coloured grapes 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 similarly-coloured grapes 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 wines cannot be released 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 the specification Vigna (Vineyard) with the relative toponym.
