LEONE DE CASTRIS

The revenge of Apulian wines

Apulia is a region that, from a wine-growing point of view, has undergone a radical change in image in recent decades. Whereas in the past, the wine produced here was destined for northern Italy and Europe as a “blend,” today it is characterized by its high quality and almost limitless potential, thanks to the presence of important native grape varieties.

Among all the wineries in the area, there is one that can boast a centuries-old history and exceptional prestige: Leone de Castris, located in the municipality of Salice Salentino, not far from the wonderful city of Lecce. This winery has a very ancient history, dating back to 1655, when Oronzo Arcangelo Maria Francesco dei Conti di Lemos, falling deeply in love with the Apulian landscape, decided to sell part of his possessions in Spain to start the company. Later, at the beginning of the 19th century, the winery began exporting wine to France, Germany, and the United States, and in 1925, with Piero and Lisetta de Castris, they began bottling the first vintages under their own brand. From this moment on, the company's history underwent rapid development, driven by the success of Five Roses, Salento's iconic rosé wine produced in 1943 and immediately exported to the USA.

The winery today

Today, Leone de Castris is run by Piernicola, Piero and Lisetta's grandson and Salvatore Leone de Castris' son, and covers an area of 250 hectares with an annual production of around 2.5 million bottles. Work in the vineyard and in the winery is carried out using conventional practices and various grape varieties are grown, including the renowned Negroamaro, Salice Salentino, Aleatico, Primitivo, and Susamaniello, from which some of the best red wines of Puglia are produced