Winery / Producer: Leone de Castris (Leaders of Apulian wine heritage since 1665).

Region of Origin: I.G.T. Salento, Apulia (Puglia), Italy.

Grape Variety: 100% Susumaniello (Ancient and exclusive variety of Salento).

Wine Type: Still red wine, exclusive varietal.

Sweetness Classification: Dry.

Vinification: Grapes are harvested manually at their optimal ripeness. Destemming is followed by skin maceration at a controlled temperature (20°C - 22°C) for about 10 days to extract fine tannins and their characteristic bluish pigments. After alcoholic fermentation in stainless steel, the wine completes malolactic fermentation and briefly ages in French oak barrels and tanks to soften its structure, concluding its refinement in the bottle.

Alcohol Content: 13.5% Vol.

Serving Temperature: 16°C - 18°C.

SKU / MPN: IT-LC-ILLEMOS-SS-750ML

Appearance: It presents a deep, dense, and extremely brilliant ruby red color in the glass, enriched with beautiful purplish and bluish reflections of great visual elegance.

Nose: Intensely expressive, clean, and with great personality. It displays an aromatic array dominated by fresh forest fruits (blueberries, blackberries, blackcurrants) accompanied by floral notes of wild violets. With aeration, sophisticated hints of black pepper, licorice, dark chocolate, and a subtle background of Mediterranean herbs are perceived.

Palate: Its entry is extremely distinguished and agile. On the palate, it expresses itself as strictly dry, showing a medium-high body with vibrant acidity that gives it great freshness and verticality. The tannins are fantastically polished, integrated, and soft. It has a very balanced trajectory, with a persistent, pleasant finish and an elegant fruity and slightly balsamic aftertaste.

Precision Gourmet Pairing: The elegant acidity and tannic finesse of the Susumaniello grape give it exceptional gastronomic versatility. It harmonizes extraordinarily with grilled or stewed red meats with red fruit sauces, thyme lamb chops, roast duck, and small game. It is a perfect companion for Italian pasta with complex sauces (such as wild boar ragu or wild mushrooms), traditional lasagna, and creamy risottos. It pairs wonderfully with artisan cured meat platters and semi-cured goat or sheep cheeses.

Suggested Moments:

• Business (Meals with Distinction): Offering an exclusive Susumaniello grape red wine denotes great connoisseurship and originality. Ideal for impressing business partners at high-end corporate lunches.
• Gourmet Barbecue: A magnificent companion to break the routine of usual reds. It pairs perfectly with filet mignon skewers, ribs, and smoked grilled sausages.
• Family Meal: Adds a touch of luxury and conversation to weekend gatherings, majestically adapting to both Iberian starters and main meat dishes.

What is the specific origin and winery of this red wine?

This distinguished red is produced by the prestigious and legendary Leone de Castris winery, with over three centuries of history. Its specific origin is located in the Salento peninsula, within the emblematic region of Apulia (Puglia), in southern Italy.

Is this wine dry, semi-dry, or sweet?

Il Lemos Susumaniello is a strictly dry wine. It possesses a very refreshing natural acidity and silky tannins that deliver a clean, balanced, and completely sugar-free finish on the palate.

What type of grape is Susumaniello and why is it special?

Susumaniello is a very old indigenous red grape from Apulia, cultivated almost exclusively in the Salento area. It is special due to its scarcity in the global market and for producing wines with intense color, excellent acidity, docile tannins, and a characteristic aroma of blue blackberries, pepper, and violets.

Does this wine benefit from bottle aging?

Yes, thanks to its excellent acidity and fine tannic structure, Il Lemos evolves favorably in the bottle. Although it is delicious and vibrant in its youth, it will maintain its great complexity and elegance for the next 3 to 5 years if stored in a cool and suitable place.