This wine keeps its traditional label, and this is a statement in itself. Celebrating the 50th harvest, the Leone de Castris 2016 Salice Salentino Riserva clocks in at a modest 13.5% alcohol. It is a medium-bodied Riserva that is almost as stately and subtle as its old-fashioned label. Bright notes of red fruit and cherry are reigned in with earthy tones in a 90-10 Negroamaro-Malvasia Nera di Lecce blend. The 2016 vintage is more withdrawn than past editions in terms of intensity. Serve it under the pergola on a sunny day and picture yourself in 1960s Puglia with a crusty loaf of peasant bread and caciocavallo cheese. An ample 650,000 bottles are produced each year.

This medium-bodied red is balanced and easy-drinking, offering light tannins and a fresh mix of spice-laced blackberry, dried thyme and pomegranate flavors. Smoke-tinged finish. Negroamaro and Malvasia Nera. Drink now. 54,166 cases made, 620 cases imported.??–AN??Region: Italy / South / Puglia / Salice Salentino Select to Add