Wines Rich in Tradition

The most distinguished winery in Puglia with more than 300 years of history, quality and passion. Leone de Castris

ounded in 1665 by the Spanish Duke Oronzo, Earl of Leone de Castris’ entire range of wines has been awarded and Lemos, in the Italian region of Puglia, Leone de Castris received prestigious recognition from all over the world. Their Fhas been exporting wine since the beginning of the 19th products are present not only in European markets, but also in century. Leone de Castris’ wines are the product of culture, in- the USA, Canada, Brazil, Australia, Singapore, Japan, Hong novation, and a tradition of dedication and passion that has been Kong, etc. observed for centuries. Located close to the winery is Leone de Castris’ high-end 1943 marks the first year of production for Leone de Castris’ hotel and restaurant, “Villa Donna Lisa,” where they host Five Roses Rosato. Their Five Roses Rosato is the first rosé ever guests and Italian and foreign delegations that come to visit bottled in and the first rosé ever sold in the USA. For sev- the winery. For centuries Leone de Castris has worked only eral generations each de Castris had five children and from here in Puglia producing only Apulian products. While this could derived the name “Five Roses.” Outside of their famous rosé, the be viewed as a limitation for some, for Leone de Castris is winery also produces a wide range of red and white DOC wines a specialty they are proud of. Their mission is to make the ( Salentino, Primitivo di Manduria) and interesting IGT most high-quality products possible in the land in which we and Puglia wines. are born and raised. As early as 900 BC, Puglia was peacefully colonized by several waves of Greek settlers, who founded Taranto, Gallipoli and , and introduced more advanced systems of viticulture and winemaking - ensuring the puglia fame of Puglia’s wines in antiquity. The Romans were next to spread their influence in the region, and they were later followed by the Goths, Byzantines, Arabs, and Lombards. From 1000 AD, however, the region enjoyed relative peace under the Normans, who brought a period of prosperity and culture to the region, which reached its peak with the reign of Friedrich II, in the first half of the 13th century.

Puglia, Italy’s boot heel, is bordered by Molise, , Basilicata and the Adriatic and Ionian Seas. It is the only southern Italian region not crossed by the Apennines. Only 40% of the region consists of hills, while the remaining 60% consists of three fertile plains; the Tavoliere, Murgia and Salento, which proceed from north to south without longtime source of strong, dark blending wines based on Negroamaro, geographical variation. Nera and Primitivo. New techniques have reduced strength, Puglia’s climate is strongly influenced by the Adriatic and Ionian Seas, but retained the robust character in these red wines. Rosés show style whose winds blow from the coasts during the night cooling the inland. rarely equaled elsewhere. Made with the lacrima (teardrop) system, There is very little rain, especially in the coastal areas, and most of it using only about half the juice of uncrushed grapes, they are delicately falls during the winter months. The temperature range is rather limited, dry, and pale rose in color. but the heat can be extreme in the summer, often reaching 113°F on Guyot and spurred cordon training systems are becoming popular, but the plains. the traditional alberello system still produces excellent grapes. 80% Puglia makes an average of about 800 milton liters of wine a year, a of the vineyards are planted with red grape varieties. Puglia produces figure rivaled only by Sicily. To the southeast is the hot Salento plain, more dessert grapes than any other Italian region. The Estates

The wines of Leone de Castris reflect the

environment and the natural essence of

the soil and climate where the grapes are

grown. The estate grows both indigenous

and international varietals. The native

varieties include: Negroamaro, Primitivo,

Malvasia Nera, Verdeca, Aleatico,

Malvasia Bianca, Bianco di ,

Moscato e Susumaniello. The non-natives

include Montepulciano, Merlot, Cabernet

Sauvignon, , Sauvignon Blanc,

Pinot Nero, Pinot Bianco, Shiraz and

Petit Verdot.

The vines and centuries-old olive trees are a

result of the union between man and nature puglia and the reverence that has been held for generations. Leone de Castris is divided into

vineyards and rich olive groves, with wheat

and pasture throughout the , Brindisi

and Taranto provinces. Their properties

include some of which have been family

held for centuries such as Ursi, Maiana, Don

Nicoletta and Messere Andrea, and others

are newer acquisitions such as Casa Purcara,

Troili, and Caretto. Reduction in the size

of the estate has resulted from patrimonial

divisions and land reform after the Second

World War, but unification initiatives are

being implemented. theWines

Messapia Verdeca Bianco Salento IGT Messapia is straw-yellow in color with greenish reflections, which is typical of the Verdeca varietal. The nose has interesting hints of wild flowers and citrus fruits such as bergamot and pineapple. It is fresh and nicely persistent on the palate. Pairs deliciously with seafood dishes and fresh cheeses.

Five Roses Rosato Salentino IGT A delicious blend of 90% Negroamaro and 10% Malvasia Nera. Five Roses is crystalline cherry-red in color. The nose boasts enchanting scents of cherry and strawberry. In the mouth it is fresh, smooth and nicely persistent. Suggested with risotto, white meats and seafood. Villa Santera Primitivo di Manduria DOC Villa Santera is named after a historic villa, which belongs to the Leone de Castris family, located in the . The Primitivo di Manduria appellation is known for the production of bold and spicy reds. This wine is no exception, skillfully crafted from 100% Primitivo, hand-picked grapes grown on very mature vines—40 years old on average. It is a concentrated and layered example of a true Apulian classic. Pair this wine with sweet Italian sausage, fresh berry coulis, barbecued ribs.

Salice Salentino Rosso Maiana DOC Made from 90% Negroamaro and 10% Malvasia Nera, Maiana is a ruby red color with garnet reflections. The bouquet is intense, yet delicate with fruity plum notes harmoniously mingled with vanilla spiced aromas. On the palate Maiana is dry, harmonious, and velvety. Excellent with roasts, and cheeses.

Salice Salentino Rosso Riserva DOC Made of 90% Negroamaro and 10% Malvasia Nera, Salice Saletino Rosso Riserva DOC is an intense red color with garnet reflections. On the nose fruity aromas of blackberry and black cherry emerge also with notes of basil and sweet spices due to the refinement in oak barrels. In the mouth it is smooth and balanced with strong but never intrusive tannins. Delicious with roasts, and ripe cheeses.

Donna Lisa Salice Salentino Rosso Riserva DOC A delicious blend of 90% Negroamaro and 10% Malvasia Nera refined in barrique. Donna Lisa Rosso Riserva DOC is an intense red color with garnet-colored reflections. The nose has scents of blueberry and blackcurrant jam, spiced hints of vanilla and licorice and toasty notes. In the mouth it is full, velvety, and rich with elegant tannins. To be enjoyed with with roasts, game and ripe cheeses. in the Leone deCastrisincreasedsalesandmarket presenceinbothNorthernItalyand family business full-timefirstassalesmanagerandthenCEO.Underhisleadership, After graduatingwithadegree inEconomics,PiernicolaLeone deCastrisjoinedthe Owner Piernicola LeonedeCastris and analysis. at theFalesco Winery, andresponsibleforvarious facets ofproduction production process. Inadditiontohisacademicachievements, hewas alsoacellarmaster di Vino inRome. Hebringsawealthoftalentand knowledge totheLeonediCastris Perugia, aswellaTaster’s DiplomafromtheOrganizzazione NazionalAssaggiatori Marco obtainedadegree esteemed winery. Puglia. and togetherthey arepartofonethemostprestigious,andhistoricalwineriesin allof Marco Mascellaniisthrilledtowork withConsultingWinemaker RiccardoCotarella Enologist Marco Mascellani Consulting Winemaker Riccardo Cotarella appealing torefinedpalates worldwide. versatility. Puglian winesaremodernand including tradition,uniquenessand which maintainthequalitiesofgrape First, isthepersonalityofPuglianwines, about Puglianwineinthefirstplace? Q: Inyourmind,whatissomagical commitment tothisstatus. Salentino DOCandourunwavering achievement isthedesignationofSalice the UnitedStates.Anothernoteworthy exported toprestigiouslocationsincluding Five Roses.Ithasthedistinctionofbeing Backgroundcreated thefirstItalianrosé, famous wine. Lessthan20yearslaterin1943they in 1925was thefirstinPugliatobottle In existence since1665,LeoneDeCastris wine industry? within thePuglianandinternational Q: Whatisyourwinery’s currentposition in theOctober15,2012 legendary Five Roseswine.Whatfollows isanexcerpt fromaninterview published major internationalmarkets. Herecentlypublishedabookonthehistoryof Under Cotarella’s guidance,Marcoiseagertoserve astheenologistforsuchan inViticulture &EnologywithhonorsfromtheUniversity of Sommelier Journal

. strength withtheconsumer? Q: WhatisPuglianwine’s greatest value ’s qualitydriven approach. a growing percentageofcountrieswho world, wehave fortunatelyexperienced downturns andcrises.Asfortherestof out highqualitywines,despitemarket determined andhave thetenacitytoturn lucrative forthosewhoarecommitted, marketplace intheUS.Businesscanbe Apulia hassecuredastrongandgrowing Puglian wineintheU.S.?Worldwide? Q: Whatisyourvisionofthefuture of growth fortheentireregion ofgrowers. challenge however presentsthepromise to thedepthofApulia’s qualitywines.This the markets thathave yetnotbeenexposed would sayourcurrentchallengeisreaching and people.Ratherthanaweakness,I radiant andfullyreflecttheenvironment terroir characteristic.Apulianwinesare The brightnessoftheApuliaregion isa The greatestweakness?

in thePress

Messapia Verdeca Bianco IGT 91 pts Wine Advocate - Issue #195/June 2011 (Vintage 2007) 86 pts Wine Enthusiast - March 2013 (Vintage 2011) “The 2007 Salice Salentino Riserva 50th Vendemmia is big, “Messapia is a solid and pretty expression of Verdeca, offering a powerful and super intense. Ripe black fruits, licorice, smoke, supercrisp citrus note, followed by pear and white flower touches.” ash and game come through in this assertive Salice Salentino. Silky tannins round out the finish. As the name states, the 50th 88 pts Wine Advocate - Issue #195/June 2011 (Vintage 2010) Vendemmia celebrates the estate’s 50th .“

Five Roses Rosato Salento IGT Wine Advocate - Issue #189/June 2010 (Vintage 2006) 88 pts Wine Enthusiast - Editors’ Choice March 2013 (Vintage 2011) “The 2006 Salice Salentino Rosso Riserva 50th Vendemmia “This opens with cranberry and sweet raspberry notes, backed (Negroamaro, Malvasia Nera) is a very pretty, nuanced wine laced by almond skin and grapefruit touches. It offers a fresh, simple with wild cherries, plums, graphite and spices. Silky tannins frame mouthfeel, with creaminess and restrained richness.” an exceptional, elegant finish. This cask-aged Salice Salentino is a gem, not to mention an absolute steal for the money. The 50th Maiana Salice Salentino Rosso DOC Vendemmia celebrates the estate’s 50th vintage in grand style.” Wine Enthusiast - March 2013 (Vintage 2011) “Maiana is a Negroamaro-based wine (with 10% Malvasia Nera) Donna Lisa Salice Salentino Rosso that shows extremely ripe fruit, with tones of blackberry jam and Riserva DOC maraschino. The finish is smooth and soft.” 91 pts Wine Enthusiast - March 2013 (Vintage 2019) 89 pts Wine Advocate - Issue #195/June 2011 (Vintage 2009) “Plush and opulent, this wine doles out huge intensity in its black “Layers of elegant, refined fruit emerge from this graceful red. fruit aroma and its toasted oak note. It shows incredible softness and Hints of tobacco, leather, licorice and spices develop in the glass, richness on the finish, with a sweet blackberry-pie tone as well.” adding further complexity and nuance. This is another huge overachiever within its price range.” 92 pts Wine Enthusiast - December 2012 (Vintage 2007) 90 pts Wine Enthusiast - December 2012 (Vintage 2006) Salice Salentino Rosso Riserva DOC Wine Advocate - Issue #189/June 2010 (Vintage 2005) 50th Vendemmia 88 pts Wine Enthusiast - March 2013 (Vintage 2011) “Celebrating the winery’s 50th anniversary, this Riserva shows sweet ripe fruit, with rum cake, blackberry jam and cinnamon-cream notes. Some bright cherry and prune accents also appear.” Imported by Winebow Inc., New York, NY • THEWINEBOWGROUP.COM

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