LEONE DE CASTRIS
SALICE SALENTINO RISERVA
PUGLIA • WINE OF ITALY
"The living legend that defined Puglia's prestige to the world. A dry Negroamaro blend with monumental aging, proudly sculpted for centuries by the Leone de Castris winery."
A Historic Emblem of Complexity, Character, and Timeless Elegance
The Leone De Castris Salice Salentino Riserva Red Wine, Puglia - Wine of Italy is not simply a distinguished label; it is the liquid witness that placed Southern Italian viticulture on the map of international high oenology. Masterfully crafted by the renowned and centuries-old Leone de Castris winery —the historical creator of this appellation in 1954—, this noble red originates from the specific Denominazione di Origine Controllata (D.O.C.) Salice Salentino, in the heart of the Salento peninsula, Apulia. It is a rigorously dry wine, structured by a traditional blend dominated by Negroamaro grapes (90%) with an elegant contribution of Malvasia Nera (10%). Subjected to prolonged and careful aging in wood, it displays a complex sensory profile where the ripeness of Mediterranean black fruit coexists in perfect symbiosis with the fascinating tertiary notes of oak.
1. Technical Details
Winery / Producer: Leone de Castris (Founded in 1665, absolute pioneers of Salice Salentino).
Region of Origin: D.O.C. Salice Salentino Riserva, Salento, Apulia (Puglia), Italy.
Grape Variety: 90% Negroamaro, 10% Malvasia Nera.
Wine Type: Still red wine with long aging (Riserva).
Sweetness Classification: Dry.
Vinification and Aging: The grapes are macerated and fermented at strictly controlled temperatures (20°C - 24°C) for a period of 8 to 12 days. After malolactic fermentation is complete, the wine begins its aging journey in large oak barrels for at least 12 months, completing a total minimum cycle of 24 months of aging before being refined in bottle, which grants it its prestigious Riserva classification.
Alcohol Content: 13.5% Vol.
Serving Temperature: 16°C - 18°C (It is imperatively recommended to decant for a minimum of 30 minutes before consumption).
SKU / MPN: IT-LC-SSALENTINO-RS-750ML
2. Luxury Tasting Notes
Appearance: It exhibits a beautiful, dense and deep ruby red color that solemnly evolves towards refined garnet and brick hues at the rim, an impeccable testament to its patient aging.
Nose: A bouquet of extraordinary complexity, intensity, and classic elegance. It unfolds successive layers of dried plums and figs, wild blackberry jam, and ripe cherries, intertwined with very fine tertiary notes of pipe tobacco, noble leather, vanilla, clove, bitter cocoa, and a suggestive Mediterranean balsamic touch.
Palate: Regal, full, and with an imposing character on entry. On the palate, it is strictly dry, manifesting an aristocratic full-bodied structure. Its tannins are superbly integrated, mature, and velvety, providing wonderful firmness. It possesses a balanced acidity that refreshes the journey and prolongs the experience. The finish is majestic, dry, and of very long persistence, with a refined aftertaste full of spicy notes, roasted coffee, and dehydrated black fruits.
3. Wine Architecture
4. Recommended Moments and Pairings
Precision Gourmet Pairing: The imposing structure, spicy complexity, and dry profile of this Riserva demand sophisticated, high-intensity dishes. It harmonizes excellently with premium cuts of grilled or oven-roasted red meat (such as a filet mignon with wine reduction, sirloin steak, or New York strip), milk-fed lamb ribs infused with rosemary, and game dishes like venison or stewed wild boar. It is the perfect companion for high Italian cuisine: dense, slow-cooked ragouts, osso buco alla Milanese, truffled lasagnas, and creamy risottos with porcini mushrooms. It masterfully complements boards with very aged, cured, and structured cheeses (such as Parmigiano Reggiano, Pecorino Salentino, or aged Gouda) and fine smoked cured meats.
Suggested Moments:
- Special Celebration: A legendary bottle ideal for commemorating great life milestones, significant anniversaries, retirements, or gala dinners where the wine must be an unforgettable protagonist.
- The Perfect Gift: A monumental gift that will deeply delight collectors, sommeliers, and devoted fans of great European aged reds and Old World history.
- Gourmet Barbecue: The perfect label to elevate a gathering around the grill to the level of a private banquet. It masterfully envelops the juices, smoky notes, and fats of fine cuts.
- Traditional Family Meal: Ideal for enhancing festive weekend lunches, gloriously pairing with roasts, complex baked pasta, and secret family recipes.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQS)
What is the specific origin and winery of this red wine?
This historic wine is produced by the legendary and centuries-old Leone de Castris winery, founded in 1665 in the town of Salice Salentino. Its specific origin is strictly certified by the prestigious D.O.C. Salice Salentino Riserva, located in the Salento peninsula, Apulia (Puglia), in the heel of Italy.
Is this wine dry, semi-dry, or sweet?
Salice Salentino Riserva is a strictly dry wine. It offers a very concentrated mature fruitiness that gives it volume on the palate, but due to its complete fermentation and prolonged aging in oak, it contains no residual sugars, delivering a clean, complex, and sophisticated finish.
Why is this Leone de Castris label historically important?
Leone de Castris is the worldwide pioneer of this appellation. In 1954, the winery bottled and exported the first Salice Salentino in history. Acquiring this Riserva label is equivalent to enjoying the original recipe and the most faithful, noble, and respected interpretation of this Mediterranean terroir.
Does this wine require decanting and what is its aging potential in the cellar?
Due to its prolonged stay in barrel and its complex nature, it greatly benefits from decanting 30 to 45 minutes before serving to allow its full aromatic range to open up. As for its aging potential, thanks to its formidable tannin structure and balanced acidity, it will evolve extraordinarily under optimal conditions over the next 6 to 10 years.
