1–8 of 8
Discover the historic Leone de Castris winery, a true symbol of Italian winemaking in the heart of Apulia. Famous for creating "Five Roses," Italy’s first bottled rosé, this estate offers expressive wines that perfectly reflect the Salento terroir. Explore our selection of authentic red and rosé wines for your next special occasion.
Read more
Italy
Italy
Italy
Italy
Italy
Italy
Italy
Italy
Located just steps from the Ionian Sea, Leone de Castris is one of the most prestigious wineries in Italy. Founded in 1665 by a Spanish nobleman, the true turning point came in 1925 when it became the first estate in Apulia to bottle its wine. Another historic milestone occurred in 1943, when the estate introduced "Five Roses," Italy's first bottled rosé, which quickly became a successful export to the U.S. and remains a global cult classic today.
Leone de Castris wines are celebrated for their expressiveness and their ability to reflect the unique Apulian terroir.
The iconic "Five Roses" and other rosés stand out with deep colors and vivid aromas of red berries, fruit, and roses. They offer a beautiful balance between freshness, elegant acidity, and minerality.
The winery oversees vineyards rooted in clay-rich soil, ideal for local grape varieties such as Negroamaro and Malvasia Nera. The estate’s old vines—some over 50 years old—contribute exceptional concentration, structure, and authenticity. The harvest is carefully done by hand to preserve the quality of each grape.
To preserve maximum freshness and aromatic clarity, the wines are primarily aged in stainless steel tanks. However, select red wines are matured in oak barrels, which adds significant structure and complexity to the final blend.
While most rosé wines are best enjoyed young to appreciate their vibrant freshness and fruit aromas, premium bottles like "Five Roses Anniversario" lend themselves exceptionally well to aging, developing complex secondary flavors over time.
The crisp and expressive rosé wines are perfect companions for seafood, fresh fish dishes, and light Italian appetizers. The rich, concentrated red wines pair beautifully with grilled meats, aged cheeses, and robust pasta dishes.
