Leone de Castris

Leone de Castris: A Journey through Italian Winemaking Heritage

The genesis of Five Roses Leone de Castris, a truly remarkable wine, can be traced back to the culmination of World War II when Don Piero's audacious spirit led him to have his Leone wine sampled by the esteemed American General Charles Poletti, Supply Officer of the Allied Forces.

The outcome was a resounding success, catapulting Five Roses Leone de Castris to the forefront as our most revered wine, both in terms of tradition and global recognition. The wine owes its name to a "Contrada" belonging to the family, aptly named for the longstanding tradition of each De Castris generation having five children.

Over the years, the vineyards have been enriched with the addition of Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc, complementing the existing array of traditional varietals such as Negroamaro, Malvasia Nera, Verdeca, Moscato Bianco, Aleatico and Primitivo.

Leone de Castris' portfolio boasts a diverse array of exquisite wines, including red, white, and rosé DOC wines such as Salice Salentino, Locorotondo, Copertino e Primitivo di Manduria. Additionally, the winery offers captivating IGT Salento and Puglia wines, as well as sparkling rosé and white wines. These exceptional creations, including Leone de Castris Five Roses, have consistently garnered prestigious accolades, and our products are proudly distributed not only throughout Europe but also in the United States, Canada, Brazil, Australia, Singapore, Japan, Hong Kong, and beyond.

Immersed in history, the winery boasts a magnificent Museum, inviting guests to embark on a journey through three centuries of the company's rich heritage. Accompanying this treasure trove is the elegant Villa Donna Lisa, a delightful hotel and restaurant adorned with a picturesque swimming pool and garden. The latest addition to our facilities is the cozy and thoughtfully designed Five Roses Club 1943, a wine bar situated at the front of the winery, paying homage to the pioneering spirit that brought Italy its first bottled rosé wine.

As a testament to our unwavering commitment to quality, the “Leone De Castris Winery”, including Five Roses Leone de Castris, produces an average of 2.5 million bottles per year.

Leone de Castris has remained steadfast in its dedication to Puglia and exclusively Apulian products for centuries. While some may view this as a limitation, we consider it a defining characteristic. The mission at Leone de Castris is to harness the inherent qualities of the land we call home, allowing us to craft exceptional wines, including Five Roses Leone de Castris, that truly embody the spirit of our region.

Leone de Castris Wine: A Taste of Italian Craftsmanship

The winery proudly presents Leone de Castris Five Roses Rosato, a groundbreaking Italian rosé wine that made history as the first to be bottled and introduced to the Italian market in 1943. Crafted from a blend of ninety percent Negroamaro and ten percent Malvasia Nera, this exquisite wine embodies the essence of Salice Salentino's fiefdom. Its name pays homage to the enchanting district of "Cinque Rose" while also honoring the longstanding tradition of each Leone de Castris generation having five children.

During the aftermath of the war, General Charles Poletti, the commissioner of supplies for the Allied Forces, specifically requested a substantial quantity of rosé wine. The result was an Italian creation with an unmistakably American name: Five Roses.

At first glance, Leone de Castris Five Roses Rosato captivates with its characteristic cherry-pink hue, reminiscent of glistening crystals. Delightful fruity aromas of cherry and wild strawberry entice the senses, creating an irresistible allure.

On the palate, Five Roses Rosato reveals its refreshing nature, offering a soft and lingering experience. We highly recommend savoring it alongside risotto, boiled fish, and white meats. Its exceptional character also makes it an excellent accompaniment to Frisa Salentina, a traditional local delicacy.

Leone de Castris Maiana is a captivating red wine hailing from the prestigious "Salice Salentino" denomination. This wine embodies the generosity and immediate appeal synonymous with the finest wines of southern Italy. Crafted primarily from the exquisite Negroamaro grapes, complemented by select clusters of Malvasia Nera di Lecce, Maiana undergoes a meticulous six-month maturation process in oak barrels. This careful aging allows the fruit to harmonize effortlessly with the delicate nuances imparted by the wood, resulting in a truly harmonious blend.

This Salento red wine is meant to be savored in every aspect, right down to the very last drop. Its appearance delights the eye with a ruby-red color that is both intense and crystal clear. The nose entices with an initial burst of fruity aromas, reminiscent of plums and red fruits, gracefully giving way to subtle hints of vanilla and sweet spices.

On the palate, Leone de Castris Maiana unveils a smooth and velvety texture, with well-balanced tannins and a satisfying body. The finish is gratifyingly long, leaving a lasting impression.

Leone de Castris Maiana is the ideal companion for hearty second courses inspired by the flavors of the land. Its versatility shines when paired with mixed roast meats, accentuating their flavors and enhancing the overall dining experience.

The Villa Santera Rosato Leone de Castris is an extraordinary wine that originates from the exclusive rosé vinification of 100% Primitivo grapes. Although Primitivo is known for producing full-bodied and long-lived red wines with characteristics of softness and opulence, the idea of a rosé wine may seem distant from this typology. However, it all comes down to the proper management of the vineyard.

Primitivo is a grape variety that offers unique aromas of small berries. Usually, during the production of red wines, these aromas transform into ripe fruit and jam notes due to the overripening of the grapes. However, if the grapes are harvested between the second and third decades of August, before the Primitivo undergoes the typical dehydration process, it is possible to obtain rosé wines with a wealth of fruity notes and exceptional freshness. These organoleptic characteristics, peculiar to the variety, are enhanced by rosé vinification, allowing for an authentic Primitivo juice without the influence of wood or withering.

The Villa Santera Rosato presents itself in the glass with a delicate pale pink color and bright reflections. On the nose, one can perceive captivating aromas of small red berries, enriched by delicate floral notes that confer extraordinary elegance to the wine. On the palate, it stands out for its pleasant freshness that makes the tasting extremely enjoyable, with a soft finish that entices a second glass.

In detail, the Villa Santera Rosato has the following classification: Primitivo IGT Salento Rosato. The grapes used are exclusively Primitivo, from the production area of Salice Salentino. The vines are cultivated according to the spur-pruned method, with a density of 5000 vines per hectare. The soil is characterized by a medium texture, while the grape yield per hectare is 90 quintals. The average age of the vineyards is 8 years, and the harvest takes place between the second and third decades of August.

Regarding the vinification process, the grapes are gently destemmed and crushed, then subjected to skin maceration at a temperature of 8-10 °C for a few hours. Subsequently, the must is separated from the skins and left to settle for 24 hours. Once clarified, the must is racked and undergoes fermentation at a temperature of 14-16 °C for about 20 days. After a short period of aging in steel, the wine is bottled.

Villa Santera is ideal for soups and delicate main dishes, effortlessly enhancing their flavors. It forms a perfect combination with dishes such as cheese soufflé, vegetables, and fish, accentuating their delicate nuances and offering a delightful culinary experience.

Villa Santera Leone de Castris Primitivo Rosso IGT is an exceptional wine undergoes a meticulous aging process of three months in barrels, followed by an additional three months in the bottle. As a result, "Villa Santera" embodies the vibrant and distinctive characteristics of its native land, showcasing the true essence of Salento.

This Leone de Castris Primitivo wine, with its energetic and sandy nature, offers a rich and inviting drinking experience. Its captivating ruby red color entices the eye, while the intense bouquet on the nose reveals dominant aromas of red fruit, intertwined with subtle hints of vanilla spices. On the palate, "Villa Santera" impresses with its full-bodied character, delivering a juicy acidity and velvety texture that lingers pleasantly.

This wine shines when paired with grilled meats, as its robust nature complements the flavors of the charred and succulent cuts. Additionally, "Villa Santera" makes an ideal companion for mature cheeses, elevating their profiles and creating a harmonious balance on the palate.

ItalianWineLover.it is an online platform dedicated to providing access to the finest Italian wines, offering an extensive selection from across the country. The diverse range includes the most famous wines of Puglia some of the world's most acclaimed Italian Italian rosé wines, ensuring a truly exceptional experience for wine lovers worldwide.