Leone de Castris

Just a few steps from the Ionian Sea and the sunlit plateaus of Salento, in the heart of Apulia, lies the historic Leone de Castris winery – a true symbol of Italian winemaking, with a history dating back to the 17th century.

The winery was founded in 1665 by the Spanish nobleman Marquis Oronzo Arcangelo Maria Francesco Leone de Castris, who, enchanted by the Salento region, decided to establish a wine estate here. However, the true turning point came in 1925, when the winery became the first estate in Apulia to bottle its wine. Until then, wines from the region were sold in bulk as raw material.

The year 1943 marked a new era – it was then that Italy’s first bottled rosé wine, “Five Roses,” was introduced. It quickly became a successful export to the U.S. and is still regarded as a cult wine worldwide.

Wine Style

Leone de Castris wines are celebrated for their expressiveness and their ability to reflect the unique Apulian terroir. The rosés – especially “Five Roses” – are known for their deep color, vivid aromas of red berries, fruit, and roses, and a beautiful balance between freshness, acidity, and minerality. The estate’s old vines – some over 50 years old – contribute exceptional concentration and authenticity. The harvest is carefully done by hand to preserve the quality of each grape.

Vineyards

The winery oversees vineyards rooted in clay-rich soil, ideal for grape varieties such as ‘Negroamaro’ and ‘Malvasia Nera’.

Aging and Drinking Window

Leone de Castris wines are mostly aged in stainless steel tanks to preserve maximum freshness and aromatic clarity. Some red wines are matured in oak barrels, adding structure and complexity. Rosé wines are best enjoyed young, though premium bottles like “Five Roses Anniversario” also lend themselves well to aging.

Today, Leone de Castris remains one of the most prestigious wineries in Italy, masterfully blending tradition, innovation, and the cultural spirit of Salento.