With over 350 years of history, Leone de Castris is one of Italy’s oldest wineries and a true ambassador of Salento. Particularly known for producing the first bottled rosé in Italy, it expresses a deep connection to the land through high-quality wines that highlight native grapes like Negroamaro. Tradition, innovation, and identity come together in every bottle, bringing the soul and winemaking culture of Puglia to the world.

Leone de Castris’ Five Roses, born in 1943, was the first rosé bottled in Italy. Made primarily from Negroamaro grapes, it became a symbol of rebirth during World War II. The name? A tribute to the family emblem and a curious request from the American allies: a general, impressed by the wine’s quality, asked to export it under a name that was easy to pronounce in English. An icon of Salento and Italian wine worldwide.

Leone de Castris’ Salice Salentino DOC Riserva is one of the most iconic wines of Salento, made from Negroamaro grapes with a small percentage of Malvasia Nera. Elegant, intense, and well-structured, it ages in oak barrels, developing complex notes of ripe fruit, spices, and vanilla. Thanks to the winery’s vision and dedication, this wine played a key role in obtaining DOC status in 1971. Leone de Castris has helped showcase the rich winemaking heritage of Salento, bringing its identity to Italy and the world.

Leone de Castris was the first winery to produce a Metodo Classico sparkling wine from Negroamaro grapes, marking a pioneering achievement for Salento. With the Five Roses and Five Roses Anniversario labels, aged 30 and 48 months on the lees respectively, the winery combines tradition and innovation, showcasing the potential of this native grape in an elegant and surprising expression within the Italian sparkling wine scene.

Donna Coletta is a project by Leone de Castris that brings together two generations, father and son, in a story weaving tradition, innovation, and a forward-looking vision. Born from a deep connection to the land and Murgia’s culture, the line consists of four wines with strong symbolic value: Colpo di Zappa, Saliscendi, Marisa, and Fontana di Vite, four different interpretations of Primitivo.

Visit the winery’s website to discover more.