A recent article by Alessandra del Re for the Libero news website extols the virtues of this beautiful part of Italy. In it Ms. del Re points out that once summer is over and the crowds have gone, the time is perfect to visit Salento (the tip of the heel of Italys boot).
From mid-September to mid-October is the time of the vendemmia (grape harvest) and, as the article mentions, the wine from the region now has a well deserved worldwide reputation. She mentions two in particular: The 2005 Leverano Doc Ross Riserva from the Cantina Vecchia Torre di Leverano ( the Vinitaly 2010 gold medal winner) and il Patriglione from the Azienda Agricola Cosimo Taurino di Guagnano which has been rated one of the top 100 wines in the world.
Although wine is a wonderful reason for visiting the region, you mustnt forget its other top attraction – the sea. You can still swim in Salento until mid October and the beaches are blissfully quiet although the sun is still hot enough to get a tan.
Ms. Del Re also advises venturing into ‘the interior’ (although the shape of the peninsula means you are never far from the sea!) and enjoying the autumn colours of the countryside and perhaps staying a few days at an agriturismo. Among the many wonderful sights to enjoy are the cities of Otranto and Tuglie near Gallipoli. Apart from visiting its fascinating museum, the Museo della Civilt Contadina you can also enjoy an ice cream at the fabulous Gelateria Provenzano in the main piazza. Imagine how wonderful it would be to stroll along in Salentos autumn sunshine eating a luscious Italian ice cream? Bliss!
