LEONE DE CASTRIS
ILLIVIA NEGROAMARO ROSSO
PUGLIA • WINE FROM ITALY
"The untamed essence of Salento made elegant. A dry, warm, and velvety Negroamaro monovarietal, masterfully sculpted with centuries of expertise by the Leone de Castris winery."
Character, Warmth and Tradition in Every Glass
The Leone De Castris Illivia Negroamaro Red Wine, Puglia - Wine from Italy is a magnificent interpretation of southern Italy's most emblematic red grape variety. Meticulously crafted by the legendary and centuries-old Leone de Castris winery, this wine originates from the specific area of Salento, in Apulia, a privileged terroir surrounded by sea breezes and glorious Mediterranean sunshine. It is a categorically dry wine, made with 100% rigorously selected Negroamaro grapes. It stands out for offering an impeccable harmony between the power of its ripe black fruit and the finesse of its tannins, making it a sophisticated and highly versatile option for those seeking authentic Italian oenological expression.
1. Technical Details
Winery / Producer: Leone de Castris (Iconic Apulian winemakers since 1665).
Region of Origin: I.G.T. Salento, Apulia (Puglia), Italy.
Grape Variety: 100% Negroamaro.
Wine Type: Still red wine, varietal.
Sweetness Classification: Dry.
Winemaking: Grapes are destemmed and subjected to skin maceration at controlled temperature (22°C - 24°C) for approximately 8 to 10 days to extract polyphenolic compounds and preserve the vibrant fruitiness of the grape. Malolactic fermentation is fully carried out to provide roundness. The wine briefly matures in stainless steel tanks before being refined in bottle for a few months.
Alcohol Content: 13.5% Vol.
Serving Temperature: 16°C - 18°C (Suggested to uncork 15 minutes before serving).
SKU / MPN: IT-LC-ILLIVIA-TT-750ML
2. Luxury Tasting Notes
Appearance: Exhibits a beautiful and clear medium-high ruby red color, with intense violet reflections at the rim denoting its splendid youth and vitality.
Nose: Offers a rich, clean, and generous bouquet. Prominently features enveloping notes of ripe black and red fruits such as plums, wild blackberries, and candied raspberries. As it opens up, sophisticated hints of sweet spices (black pepper, clove), subtle Mediterranean herbaceous notes, and a distinctive aromatic memory of licorice and fine cocoa are perceived.
Palate: Warm, full, and fruity on entry. On the palate, it is strictly dry, with a flawlessly structured medium-high body. The tannins are remarkably silky, polished, and ripe. It possesses a balanced acidity that provides extraordinary fluidity, leading to a long, pleasant finish with a seasoned aftertaste of dark berries and earthy spices.
3. Wine Architecture
4. Recommended Moments and Pairings
Precise Gourmet Pairing: Due to its elegant fruit structure and soft tannins, it is an excellent gastronomic wine. It harmonizes fantastically with Italian pastas accompanied by intense meat-based sauces (such as a classic Bolognese ragù), beef lasagna, and eggplant parmesan. It is the ideal companion for cured meats (salami, prosciutto) and semi-cured cheeses like Pecorino Romano or Provolone. It also pairs perfectly with artisanal wood-fired pizzas, lamb stews, lean grilled meat cuts, and dishes seasoned with wild aromatic herbs like rosemary and thyme.
Suggested Occasions:
- Barbecue: Its excellent fruit load and silky structure make it the ideal companion for grilled meat cuts, chistorra (Spanish sausage), or skewers at a gourmet barbecue with friends.
- Family Meal: Perfect for placing at the center of the table during Sunday lunches, pairing deliciously with pasta, stews, or grilled dishes while sharing with loved ones.
- Business: Opting for a dry Negroamaro from the historic Leone de Castris projects oenological knowledge, character, and distinction, making it a great choice for corporate meals in Mediterranean specialty restaurants.
- Special Celebration: An ideal label to enhance significant events such as birthdays, thank-you dinners, or reunions, adding the distinguished touch of Italian wine.
- The Perfect Gift: Represents a highly appropriate and intelligent gift for wine enthusiasts who appreciate indigenous Old World varieties and the great heritage of a centuries-old winery.
frequently asked questions (FAQs)
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, founded in 1665. Its specific origin is located on the Salento peninsula, in the sunny wine region of Apulia (Puglia), in southern Italy.
Is this wine dry, semi-dry, or sweet?
The Illivia Negroamaro Rosso is a strictly dry wine. It offers a round palate with great mature fruitiness that unfolds smoothly, without residual sugars or cloying sensations.
Is it necessary to decant this wine before consumption?
It is not strictly essential to decant it, as it is a wine with very polished and gentle tannins; however, it is advisable to uncork the bottle 15 to 20 minutes before serving to allow its fruity and spicy aromas to fully open in the glass.
What is the recommended lifespan or aging potential for this wine?
This wine is designed to express its maximum fruitiness and roundness during its youth. It is recommended to consume it preferably within the first 3 to 5 years after its vintage to fully enjoy its Mediterranean freshness and tannic balance.
