Olives have grown in the Otranto area for 8,000 years, but the Messapi, a tribe that settled in the Salentina peninsula district in the first millennium BC, were the first to start cultivating the fruit. In later ages, Greek and Phoenician colonists spread the olive widely across the "heel" of Italy. The area was conquered by the Romans in 267 BC and the original inhabitants became known by the Latin name of Sallentini (or "Salentini"). 
       In the Middle Ages, Otranto was considered the most important town on the Salentina peninsula which was thus known as "Terra d'Otranto."

       Olio Extravergine d'Oliva Terra d'Otranto has a maximum acidity of 0.80 percent. The colour of the oil is green or yellow with green tints. The scent is medium fruity with a leafy tones, while the flavour is fruity with slight peppery and bitter tones. 
       The production zone included in the Terra d'Otranto designation encompasses the entire territory of the province of Lecce, part of the province of Taranto and part of the province of Brindisi.

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