Galatina Wine Region Guide

Galatina wine region is an important sub-region of Puglia known for its wines. If you plan on travelling in the area, make sure to pay a visit to Galatina wine region. You will not regret the quality of their wine and their outstanding service. One important factor that sets Galatina’s wines apart is the wine's grape varietals. Galatina wine region makes use of varieties found nowhere else in Italy, or even the world. The climate and its winemakers play a large part as well, shaping a style of wine that is unique in its homeland. Visit our site to find out more about the wines that make Galatina wine region a favorite for wine drinkers worldwide. The Wineries in Galatina wine region have something wonderfully unique to offer.

Check out the best wine tastings and tours in Galatina Wine Region

Where is Galatina Wine Region

Galatina is located about 30 km south of Lecce and is one of the larger towns in Salento, Italy. By car or train, Galatina can be easily reached from Lecce - Ferrovie Sud Est trains depart from Zollino station which is only 5 minutes walk away from Galatina's city center.

History of Galatina

Galatina is a town near Lecce, in the Apulia region of Italy. It's halfway between the Ionian and Adriatic Seas, and close to Salento and the Salentine Peninsula. The area is full of rich, red soil. The city's history goes back centuries, but there are few noticeable traces remaining except for the name and coat of arms. It's been documented since 1188, but it would be safe to assume there was a Greek center before that date. Today, Galatina is one of the typical villages of Salento with a big economic focus on trading and agricultural produce. They also have extensive wine production.

Terrior of Galatina

Despite being wedged between the Adriatic Sea and the Gulf of Taranto (the northern edge of the Ionian Sea), the climate here is warm and dry. Summers are scorching hot with temperatures reaching up to 104 Fahrenheit! This climate results in sweeter grapes. Galatina wines are high in alcohol and this is one of the key challenges Galatina winemakers have to address. They do this by creating balanced and attractive wines.

Galatina Characteristics 

One of the flavours of Salento lives is Galatina PDO White Sparkling. Made with 55% Chardonnay grapes, this crisp wine brings the freshness and life that we find in every day. In the glass, its color is pale straw yellow with greenish reflections. Its aroma is delicate and pleasantly fruity, while its taste is dry and characteristic. Galatina PDO Chardonnay is made with 85% of this international grape variety, which has settled very well in Salento. On the nose there are aromas of citrus and lemon, with a smooth taste and good structure. The white is straw-yellow in color. Galatina PDO is an expression of Negroamaro, at least 65%. It has a deep red color in the glass and can have nuances of brick reds if it's aged. The wine's bouquet will be more intense, characteristic, nice and pleasant. The taste is dry, full, robust, velvety and well balanced. Galatino PDO Rosé requires 65% Negroamaro grapes for minimum wine quality. It has a pink color, fruity and persistent scent and a dry and velvety taste. The Galatina DOP Negroamaro grape is grown at a minimum 85% of this grape. It has reddish-purple color and, when aged, a typical smell, pleasing and intense to drink.

Food to pair with Galatina

1. Orecchiette con cime di rapa

Orecchiette is one of the most popular dishes from the Italian Apulia region, especially in Bari. Orecchiette are perfect for scooping up the chunky pieces of boiled broccoli, a leafy green vegetable that's amoung those related to turnip. This Italian dish is made with fresh Pecorino Romano cheese and some crushed, dried red chili pepper (bailey) flakes. It's best to enjoy this dish as soon as it's made and serve it immediately. It pairs amazing with Galatina wines.

2. Ragù alla Pugliese

Apulia, like other parts of Italy, is home to many different types of regional recipes. Pasta dishes are often doused in rich, heavy sauces. There's lamb puttanesca and rabbit cacciatore just to name a few. Traditionally, ragù alla Pugliese is made with chicken, beef, pancetta and pork sausage. However, after many hours of slow simmering you might not notice any difference in taste whether your ragù has some extra proteins added to it or not. In fact, when made with lamb alone, it is calledragu del pastore (lit. shepherd's sauce), and this variant uses more red pepper, which imparts a nice piquant heat to the dish. Both types of sauces are usually served over pasta, most typically orecchiette. It is often enjoyed with canestrato Pugliese or pumpkin seeds cheese on top. Ragù alla Pugliese pairs well with Galatina wines.

3. Panzerotti

These crescent-shaped turnovers originated in Apulia but are now popular all over Italy. They're traditionally prepared for the Carnival season. Panzerotti resemble small calzones that are deep-fried, so they're often called calzoni fritti (fried calzones), pizze fritte (fried pizzas) or simp in Qatar and Egypt. There are a lot of different chicken soup recipes, but one that works well is to cook the chicken with carrots, onions, celery and herbs (optional). Apart from savory versions, there are also fruit-filled Panzerotti, like ones filled with apples, pears, plums, oranges, cherries and peaches. They're best paired with a cream of ricotta or custard. Panzerotti goes well with Galatina wines.

Places to visit near Galatina

1. Chiesa Madre dei Santi Pietro e Paolo

Piazza San Pietro, in the historic centre where the Porta Maggiore once stood is dominated by a spectacular facade of Saint Peter and Paul - a prime example of Baroque- whose superb proportions embellish much of Neapolitan classical architecture. The current church is the result of a makeover in the 1920s and 1930s by order of the Universitas. Compared to other churches in the city, this church now has greater authority. The earthquake that took place in 1743 left it severely damaged and, in the second half of the 18th century, various renovations were made.

2. Salento

Some of Salento's most beautiful towns can be found just south of Lecce on the "heel" of Italy, known locally as the Peninsola Salentina. Save time by taking this tour to visit four of the most characteristic towns in the region in a single day. Visit cathedrals, baroque churches, castles, and public fountains on your way. Let our guide take care of the itinerary and you can browse Southern Italy's beautiful, winding roads.

3. Torre dell'Orologio

One of the most famous architectural landmarks of Venice, the Clock Tower stands over an arch that leads into Venice's main shopping street, the old Merceria. St. Mark's Square is both a junction and a division of the many architectural components that make up the city. It is not only used as a seat for political and religious power, but also for general public activity such as commerce trades. a zone that looked out towards the sea and also played a critical role as for the entire layout of the city. In short, the Clock Tower and its astronomical clock are part of the very image of Venice. They've been around for over 500 years judging time for many generations and residents, who would have seen them as a means to understand their place in time within history.

Frequently asked questions about Galatina Wine Region