COLOUR
Red
TYPE
Still
VINTAGE
N/A
GRAPE
Negroamaro, Malvasia Nera
PRODUCER
Leone De Castris
REGION
Puglia
CHARACTERISTICS
Body
Sweetness
Dry
Acidity
Medium - High
Finish
Long
Intensity
Pronounced
Tannins
AROMAS & FLAVOURS
ABOUT THIS WINE
The Salice Salentino Riserva by Leone De Castris is a distinguished red wine from Puglia, Italy, produced under the Salice Salentino DOC appellation. This wine is a blend primarily of Negroamaro, with a smaller proportion of Malvasia Nera. The Leone De Castris estate, with a history dating back to 1665, is a pioneering producer in the region, having been instrumental in the establishment of the Salice Salentino DOC. The 'Riserva' designation signifies a wine that has undergone a minimum aging period, ensuring complexity and structure. This wine is recognized as a benchmark for the Negroamaro grape, bringing significant attention to the Salento peninsula's viticultural heritage.
ALCOHOL
13.5%
AVG. PRICE
€20
STYLE
Classic
SULPHITES
YES
When to drink
Now or Later
Ideal temperature
16-18°C
INTERESTING FACTS
Fact 01
The winery was founded in 1665, making it one of Puglia's oldest.
Fact 02
This wine's first vintage was in 1954, commemorated by the '50° Vendemmia' label.
Fact 03
Leone De Castris created Italy's first bottled rosé, 'Five Roses', in 1943.
Fact 04
The producer was key in establishing the Salice Salentino DOC.
FOOD PAIRING
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WINE MAKING PROCESS
The production of Salice Salentino Riserva begins with the manual harvest of Negroamaro and Malvasia Nera grapes, typically in late September. After de-stemming and crushing, the grapes undergo a prolonged maceration period of 8 to 20 days at controlled temperatures between 20-24°C to maximize extraction of color and tannins. Malolactic fermentation follows, softening the wine's profile. As a 'Riserva,' the wine is aged for a minimum of 24 months, with at least six months spent in wooden barrels, often large casks, contributing to its complexity and structure before release.
