September and the grape harvest in Salento
In September, Salento settles into a different rhythm. The days remain bright, but the height of summer gives way to a season shaped by harvests, slower-paced days, and new daily routines. It is the time of harvest, when the countryside once again becomes the heart of local life. Among the vineyard rows, the grapes are gathered, while crates, hands, and bunches of fruit mark the transition into autumn. The harvest is also one of the most significant moments of the year for the world of wine:it is with this harvest that the journey begins, transforming the grapes into the wine that eventually reaches tables across Salento.
Salento Wines
Salento wine is far more than something to be enjoyed at the table. It is also an expression of the landscape and the agricultural heritage of the Salento peninsula. The sun, the wind, the soil, and the proximity of the sea all help create the conditions that have supported vine cultivation here for centuries.
The main grape varieties of Salento
Among Salento’s best-known grape varieties are vines that give rise to distinctive reds, rosés and whites, each with its own distinctive character. When people think of Salento wine, their minds often turn to its red wines, which pair beautifully with flavourful dishes, grilled vegetables, meats, and traditional local recipes. Rosé wines, on the other hand, reveal a fresher side of the region, making them especially enjoyable during the warmer months. Their Mediterranean character lends itself effortlessly to relaxed, convivial occasions. Equally important are the region’s white wines, crisp and approachable, ideal alongside fish, seafood and the lighter dishes of Salento’s cuisine. In this way, wine remains closely tied to both the table and the changing rhythm of the seasons.
Negroamaro
Negroamaro is one of Salento’s signature grape varieties. It is known for its balanced structure and the distinctly Mediterranean character it brings to both red and rosé wines.
Primitivo
Primitivo is prized for its aromatic intensity and smooth, generous profile. Its rich notes pair beautifully with the bold flavours that define much of the local cuisine.
Malvasia Nera
Malvasia Nera is often used in blends, contributing elegance, delicate aromas, and greater harmony to the finished wine.
Susumaniello
Susumaniello is a historic grape variety valued for its distinctive personality and its ability to express the unique winemaking identity of Salento.
Salento wines at Borgo Sentinella
At Masseria Borgo Sentinella, wine naturally becomes part of the moments devoted to good food and relaxation. A glass of wine can accompany dinner in the courtyard, shared among traditional dishes and locally sourced ingredients, or become a welcome pause at the end of the day, when the light over Salento softens and the atmosphere invites you to slow down.
At the Borgo Kitchen, the flavours of Salento’s culinary tradition are paired with a carefully selected range of local wines, chosen to complement each course with balance and harmony. The meeting of food and wine helps turn every meal into an authentic experience, one that tells the story of the deep connection between Salento, its land, and its traditions through aromas and flavours.
In Salento, wine follows the rhythm of the seasons and the pleasure of shared moments, telling the story of the bond between the land and the people who live it every day.
FAQ
Among Salento’s most renowned wines are those made from Negroamaro and Primitivo, two grape varieties that have become symbols of the region’s winemaking heritage. The area is also known for its rosé and white wines, as well as wines produced from other native Salento grapes.
The most representative grape varieties of Salento are Negroamaro and Primitivo. Other traditional varieties found throughout the region include Malvasia Nera and Susumaniello, both closely linked to the local winemaking tradition.
The grape harvest in Salento generally takes place between late summer and early autumn. The exact timing varies depending on the grape variety, weather conditions, and the level of ripeness reached by the fruit.
Negroamaro and Primitivo are two red grape varieties deeply rooted in Salento’s winemaking culture, yet they offer distinct characteristics. Negroamaro is valued for its balanced structure and Mediterranean character, while Primitivo is known for its intensity, richness, and expressive aromatic profile.
The Borgo Kitchen wine list offers a carefully curated selection of local and Italian labels, divided into four main categories: red wines, rosé wines, white wines, and sparkling wines. The selection highlights native Apulian grape varieties such as Primitivo, Negroamaro, Susumaniello, Malvasia, and Verdeca, alongside a range of distinguished Italian sparkling wines.
