Salento is the heel of the Italian boot where sun, sea, and wine have come together for centuries.

Salento wine region in Southern Italy

Salento is part of Puglia, in the far southeast of Italy. The region is bordered by the Adriatic Sea on one side and the Ionian Sea on the other. This position brings cooling breezes that protect the grapes from the summer heat. The landscape is dotted with olive trees, low limestone walls, and endless vineyards. Red grapes dominate here, with Primitivo and Negroamaro as the main stars.

History of Salento wines

Winegrowing in Salento goes back thousands of years. The Greeks were the first to plant vines in this part of Italy. Later the Romans continued the cultivation. For a long time, wines from Salento were mainly used to add color and strength to wines from northern Italy. Only in the past decades has the region gained worldwide recognition. Grapes like Primitivo and Negroamaro suddenly became popular far beyond Italy.

Appellation and regulations

Salento is not a DOCG or DOC but an IGP (Indicazione Geografica Protetta). This gives winemakers more freedom. They can use a variety of grapes and don’t need to follow strict DOC rules. That flexibility has led to creativity. Alongside the classic reds, more and more whites like Fiano and Verdeca are planted to produce fresh, vibrant wines.

How Salento wine is made

The hot climate in Puglia produces ripe grapes packed with sugar. To keep freshness, harvesting often happens at night when the grapes are cooler. Winemaking ranges from old concrete vats to modern stainless steel tanks. Many wines spend a short time in oak to add depth. Salento reds are known for their full body, soft tannins, and flavors of ripe red fruit, plums, and spices. Whites from the area are lighter and refreshing, perfect for warm coastal days.

Fun facts about Salento

The name Primitivo actually refers to its early ripening — the grape is often ready for harvest in August. Negroamaro translates as “black and bitter,” a playful nod to the deep color and spicy notes of the wine. Salento is also a favorite region for cycling. On narrow country roads through the vineyards, you’ll often spot growers still harvesting by hand. The region blends tradition and innovation in a natural way.

Order Salento wine online?

At Grandcruwijnen you can choose from a wide range of Salento wines. Every bottle is stored in our conditioned Wine Warehouse. When ordering online, you can select pickup in Dordrecht. You’ll receive an immediate discount, shown as soon as you choose ‘Afhalen’ at checkout.