On August 11 and 12, when the air of Grottaglie becomes thick with summer and sounds, Retrogusti arrives in the beating heart of Puglia with an intimate and unique event. Among the ancient walls of the Castello Episcopio and the citrus fruits of its hidden garden, there is a space where flavors intertwine with stories, and tradition comes alive again.
Within the historic event “Orecchiette nelle ‘nchiosce”, which every summer enlivens the historic center with an itinerary among 11 chefs and 11 recipes, Retrogusti signs a new appointment of its spin-off “Fuori menù”: a series of special events, “out of program” compared to our usual format Stories in tasting, designed to fit into broader contexts and bring our story where the culture of food is already in celebration.
“Orecchiette in the Castle” is the first episode of this new journey: an intimate and private experience for 100 guests, set in the evocative garden of the Episcopio Castle. An invitation to slow down and enjoy a sensory journey into the true Mediterranean soul, through flavors, gestures, and stories.
Leading the journey will be Chef Paola Ortesta from La Cuccagna – Giro di Vite from Crispiano, with two recipes that tell the story of Puglia with respect and creativity.
In combination, a precious selection of Apulian wines – Cantine Nistri, De Quarto, Li Camennere, Melillo, Motolese, Tratturi Reali and Vetrère – served in local ceramic glasses, to toast to beauty with beauty.
Among the garden's foliage, the excellence of producers will alternate with the notes of pizzica and live music, in a convivial and bright atmosphere. The recipes made with Maffei orecchiette and, to complete the experience, the excellence of Salumi Martina Franca and the Prestigious Forneria Lenti and artisan gelato signed by Gelatika.
The event will be curated by Franco Peluso and Angelo Loreto – editorial director of Retrogusti and Best Sommelier of Puglia 2024 – in a multi-voiced narrative where wine, food, and memory meet for an unforgettable evening.
Selection of wines from the wineries
⬤
Pairings
Orecchiette with peppers, crunchy bread, olives, and capers - La Cuccagna - Giro di Vite
Orecchiette with piglet ragù with juniper and Puglian canestrato - La Cuccagna - Giro di Vite
Capocollo from Puglian black pig - Salumi Martina Franca
Puglian taralli - Pregiata Forneria Lenti
Artisanal ice cream - Gelatika Grottaglie
