The winery
Cantine Paolo Leo
Family-run Salento winery headquartered in San Donaci (Parco del Negroamaro), known for producing Salento wines and for its organic ranges and sustainability initiatives.
- Puglia (Salento) · Italia
- Since 1989
- 33 products
The story
The company known as Paolo Leo stems from the experience of several generations of Salento winegrowers and, in its current form, began with the bottling activity led by Paolo Leo in the late 1980s. The business has grown by supplementing its historic premises in San Donaci with a second winery inaugurated in 2020 in Monteparano, near the Primitivo di Manduria area.
Production philosophy
Enhancing the Salento region through the cultivation and winemaking of native grape varieties, adopting practices focused on environmental and economic sustainability. The estate produces both conventional lines and an organic-certified range, publishes sustainability reports and has obtained environmental responsibility certifications.
Terroir and vineyards
They operate in the heart of Salento, with their main base in the municipality of San Donaci and a second facility in Monteparano, at the gateway to the Primitivo di Manduria area. Their vineyards and appellations cover the characteristic areas of Salento and southern Puglia.
Awards and recognition
Recognitions and medals in international competitions and mentions in guides and awards for eco-friendly practices.
Characteristics
- Grape varieties
- Primitivo
- Negroamaro
- Malvasia Bianca
- Malvasia Nera
- Chardonnay
- Fiano
- Verdeca
- Minutolo
- Bianco d'Alessano
- Susumaniello
What makes it distinctive
- Officially stated founding: 1989.
- Second winery in Monteparano, inaugurated in August 2020.
- Organic line with certified wines.
- Certification / commitment to sustainability.
- Experimental projects, such as the project for aging at sea.
- Strong focus on Salento's indigenous grape varieties: Primitivo, Negroamaro and other local varieties.
