LEONE de CASTRIS SALICE SALENTINO RISERVA DOC 2019

Leone de Castris Salice Salentino Riserva is a celebrated wine from one of Puglia’s oldest and most esteemed wineries, established in 1665. This Riserva is primarily crafted from the Negroamaro grape, Puglia’s signature varietal, with a touch of Malvasia Nera to enhance its complexity. The vines, with an average age of 40 years, are grown on predominantly clay and limestone soils, contributing to the wine’s distinctive character.

The wine boasts rich, robust flavours with notes of dark cherry, plum, and a hint of spice. It offers a harmonious blend of velvety tannins and balanced acidity, culminating in a long, satisfying finish. Perfect for pairing with hearty dishes such as roasted meats, aged cheeses, and rich pasta sauces.

Winery notes (2019 Vintage)
"Intense red colour with garnet hints. On the nose it displays fruity notes of blackberry and black cherry, along with notes of basil and sweet spices due to the refinement in oak barrels. In the mouth it is smooth and balanced with powerful, but never intrusive, tannins. Long fruity finish. Ideal with roast veal and beef, game, lamb, and aged cheeses."

91/100 Alexander Peartree, Wine Enthusiast, December 2021 (2019 Vintage)
"This bold yet well-balanced red delivers compact aromas of tilled soil, violet, blood orange and crushed peppercorn over a dense brambleberry core. It's juicy yet broad and densely packed on the palate, framed by bold acidity and velvety tannins."

90/100 Wine Spectator (2019 Vintage)
"A harmonious, medium-bodied red, offering a well-meshed range of black plum reduction, dried raspberry, fresh loamy earth and hints of dark chocolate and sage, all layered with fine-grained tannins and juicy acidity. Drink now through 2028."