The winery
Leone de Castris
Historic Apulian winery based in Salice Salentino, known for Five Roses, Italy's first bottled rosé, and for a broad range of wines from reds and rosés to sparkling and passito wines.
- Puglia · Italia
- Since 1665
- 5 products
The story
The Leone de Castris family has been active in viticulture for centuries: the company traces its origins to 1665, when it was founded by Oronzo Arcangelo Maria Francesco dei Conti di Lemos. In the 20th century the estate developed the bottling and marketing of its wines; in 1943 it launched Five Roses, recognized as the first bottled Italian rosé. Today the winery also houses a museum that tells the story of its production and family history.
Production philosophy
Combine tradition and innovation: preserve Salento’s historical heritage and local grape varieties, invest in promoting the territory and in bottling iconic wines, while supporting commercial development and communication and hospitality initiatives.
Terroir and vineyards
Salice Salentino — a typical area of the Apulian Salento, with predominant use of Negroamaro, Primitivo and other indigenous varieties.
Awards and recognition
Awards and scores from wine guides and competitions: for example, Five Roses Anniversario received the Tre Bicchieri, and the winery cites awards such as 'Best of Show' for Villa Santera Primitivo obtained at international competitions.
Characteristics
- Grape varieties
- Negroamaro
- Primitivo
- Malvasia (bianca e nera)
- Susumaniello
- Verdeca
- Chardonnay
- Fiano
What makes it distinctive
- Founded in 1665, with a long-standing family tradition.
- Creator of the Five Roses, the first rosé to be bottled and marketed in Italy.
- The "Piero e Salvatore Leone de Castris" Wine Museum is housed at the winery.
- Extensive production range: traditional wines, varietal wines, Traditional Method, sweet wines and distilled spirits.
- Scores and awards from wine guides and competitions.