Piernicola Leone De Castris
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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 F has 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 Italy 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 (Salice Salentino, Primitivo di Manduria) and interesting IGT most high-quality products possible in the land in which we Salento 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 Otranto, 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, Campania, 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. Malvasia 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 Alessano, Moscato e Susumaniello. The non-natives include Montepulciano, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, 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 Lecce, 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 province of Taranto. 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. Piernicola Leone de Castris Owner After graduating with a degree in Economics, Piernicola Leone de Castris joined the family business full-time first as sales manager and then CEO. Under his leadership, Leone de Castris increased sales and market presence in both Northern Italy and major international markets. He recently published a book on the history of the legendary Five Roses wine. What follows is an excerpt from an interview published in the October 15, 2012 Sommelier Journal. Q: What is your winery’s current position Q: What is Puglian wine’s greatest within the Puglian and international strength with the consumer? wine industry? The greatest weakness? In existence since 1665, Leone De Castris The brightness of the Apulia region is a in 1925 was the first in Puglia to bottle terroir characteristic. Apulian wines are wine. Less than 20 years later in 1943 they radiant and fully reflect the environment created the first Italian rosé, the famous and people. Rather than a weakness, I Background Five Roses. It has the distinction of being would say our current challenge is reaching exported to prestigious locations including the markets that have yet not been exposed the United States. Another noteworthy to the depth of Apulia’s quality wines. This achievement is the designation of Salice challenge however presents the promise Salentino DOC and our unwavering of growth for the entire region of growers. commitment to this status. Q: What is your vision of the future of Q: In your mind, what is so magical Puglian wine in the U.S.? Worldwide? about Puglian wine in the first place? Apulia has secured a strong and growing First, is the personality of Puglian wines, marketplace in the US. Business can be which maintain the qualities of the grape lucrative for those who are committed, including tradition, uniqueness and determined and have the tenacity to turn versatility. Puglian wines are modern and out high quality wines, despite market appealing to refined palates worldwide. downturns and crises. As for the rest of the world, we have fortunately experienced a growing percentage of countries who value Apulia’s quality driven approach. in the in the Riccardo Cotarella Consulting Winemaker Marco Mascellani Enologist Marco Mascellani is thrilled to work with Consulting Winemaker Riccardo Cotarella and together they are part of one of the most prestigious, and historical wineries in all of Puglia.