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, sculpted with centenary pride 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 put Southern Italian viticulture on the map of international high enology. Masterfully crafted by the celebrated and multi-centenary Leone de Castris winery—the historic creator of this designation in 1954—this noble red is born from the specific origin of the Salice Salentino Denominazione di Origine Controllata (D.O.C.), in the heart of the Salento peninsula, Puglia. A must-buy label if you are looking for a great Italian wine for aging. It is a strictly dry wine, structured through a traditional blend dominated by the Negroamaro grape (90%) with an elegant contribution of Malvasia Nera (10%). Subjected to prolonged and careful wood aging, it unfolds a complex sensory profile where the ripeness of Mediterranean black fruit and the fascinating tertiary notes of oak coexist in perfect symbiosis.
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 a strictly controlled temperature (20°C - 24°C) for a period of 8 to 12 days. After completing malolactic fermentation, the wine begins its maturation journey in large oak barrels for at least 12 months, completing a total minimum cycle of 24 months of aging before being refined in the bottle, which grants it its prestigious Riserva classification.
Alcohol Content: 13.5% Vol.
Serving Temperature: 16°C - 18°C (It is strictly recommended to decant for a minimum of 30 minutes before consumption).
SKU / MPN: IT-LC-SSALENTINO-RS-750ML
2. Luxury Tasting Notes
Appearance: Exhibits a beautiful, dense, and deep ruby red color that evolves with solemnity toward refined garnet and brick hues at the rim, an impeccable testimony to its patient aging.
Nose: A bouquet of extraordinary complexity, intensity, and classic elegance. It unfolds successive layers of plums and dried figs, wild blackberry jam, and ripe cherries, intertwined with very fine tertiary notes of pipe tobacco, noble leather, vanilla, cloves, bitter cocoa, and a suggestive Mediterranean balsamic touch.
Palate: Regal entry, full and with an imposing character. On the palate, it is strictly dry, manifesting an aristocratic full-bodied structure. Its tannins are superbly integrated, ripe, 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 Occasions and Pairing
Precision Gourmet Pairing: The imposing structure, spicy complexity, and dry profile of this Riserva demand sophisticated, high-intensity dishes. It harmonizes exquisitely with premium red meat cuts cooked on the grill or in the oven (such as a filet mignon with wine reduction, ribeye, or New York strip), suckling lamb chops infused with rosemary, and game dishes like venison or wild boar stew. It is the perfect companion for fine Italian cuisine: slow-cooked dense ragùs, ossobuco alla milanese, truffle 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 charcuterie.
Suggested Moments:
- Special Celebration: A legendary bottle perfect for commemorating major 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 aging reds and Old World history.
- Gourmet BBQ: The perfect label to take 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 elevating festive weekend lunches, gloriously pairing with roasts, complex baked pastas, 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, 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, Puglia, at the heel of the Italian boot.
Is this wine dry, semi-dry, or sweet?
The Salice Salentino Riserva is a strictly dry wine. It offers a very concentrated ripe fruitiness that gives it volume on the palate, but due to its complete fermentation and prolonged oak aging, 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 global architect of this appellation. In 1954, the winery bottled and exported the first Salice Salentino in history. Purchasing 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 long stay in barrels and its complex nature, it greatly benefits from prior decanting of 30 to 45 minutes before serving to allow its full range of aromas to open. Regarding 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.