Salice Salentino
Puglia, with its hilly landscapes and its long coastline, is characterized by being an important center of wine production, with a variety of native vines ranging from Primitivo to Negroamaro, passing through Nero di Troia, Fiano and Verdeca.
In the heart of this winemaking tradition, Salento occupies a special place. The wines of Salento have in fact become ambassadors of a thousand-year-old tradition, combining the quality of the product with the tourist and gastronomic promotion of the region. In this article we will discover together one of the winemaking excellences of Salento: Salice Salentino DOC. This red wine, known for its intensity and its ability to age, is mainly produced in the area of Salice Salentino, a small municipality located in the heart of Salento, in the south of Puglia, from which this wine takes its name.
The origins
Salice Salentino has ancient roots that date back centuries. Origins of this wine are linked to the viticulture of Salento, a land that, thanks to the warm and dry climate, is particularly suitable for growing vines. The first documented traces of viticulture in this area date back to the time of the Greeks, who brought with them different varieties of grapes in the 7th century BC. The winemaking tradition was then consolidated with the arrival of the Romans and, subsequently, with the influence of the Arabs, who perfected the winemaking techniques.
Production area
The production area of Salice Salentino DOC is located 15 kilometers northwest of Lecce, between the provinces of Lecce and Brindisi and includes the entire administrative territory of the Municipalities of Salice Salentino, Guagnano, Veglie and part of the countryside of the Municipality of Campi Salentina, all in the province of Lecce. To these is added the entire rurality of the Municipalities of San Donaci and San Pancrazio Salentino, in the province of Brindisi.
The controlled designation of origin (DOC) was officially recognized in 1976, marking an important milestone in the valorization of wine and the recognition of its quality.
The karst and calcareous nature of the territory nourishes the plants with essential elements deriving from the clay and marine fossil sediments present on the calcareous basalt. This type of soil lends itself very well to the cultivation of vines, even in particularly dry years, because it is able to create optimal conditions for the development of the plant.
Grape varieties and organoleptic properties
Salice Salentino DOC is mainly produced from two grape varieties: Negroamaro and Malvasia Nera. Negroamaro is the predominant variety, with its aromatic profile rich in dark fruits, such as cherries and plums, accompanied by spicy notes and a full and tannic flavor. Malvasia Nera, although in smaller quantities, helps to make the wine softer and rounder, giving notes of ripe fruit and flowers.
Salice Salentino can be consumed young, but its great capacity for aging also makes it perfect for being left to mature for a few years, during which the wine acquires greater elegance and complexity, developing more complex hints of leather, chocolate and undergrowth.
Salice Salentino Social Cooperative Cellar
One of the historic wineries of Salice Salentino, founded in 1960, is the Salice Salentino Social Cooperative Cellar, which over the years has become a point of reference for the area for direct retail sales. Today, the winery has around 210 producer members dedicated to the scrupulous management of the prized and historic Negroamaro and Malvasia vines, pillars for the production of the D.O.C. Salice Salentino wine.
Upon request, it is possible to organize guided tours and tastings accompanied by typical Apulian dishes, allowing you to savor the wine paired with the gastronomic delicacies of the area.
“Leone De Castris” winery
Another pillar in the municipality of Salice Salentino is the Leone de Castris winery. Founded in 1665, it is one of the most prestigious and long-standing businesses in the area, and is known for its winemaking tradition that blends with innovation.
The winery offers a varied range of products: red, white, rosé DOC wines (Salice Salentino, Primitivo di Manduria, Gioia del Colle), interesting IGT Salento and Puglia wines, rosé and white sparkling wines; a particularly fine brandy and grappa, with an average annual production of around 2 million bottles!
Upon reservation, you can choose between different packages of guided tours and/or tastings:
- Classic Tour: guided tour (40m)
- Tasting Tour – The Great Tradition: guided tour with tasting (1h)
- Food and Wine Tour: guided tour with aperitif and tasting of three glasses (2h)
- Custom Winery Tour Experience: personalized tours based on your needs.
Guided tours of the Leone de Castris winery offer a unique opportunity to discover the wine production process, from the care of the vineyards to the winemaking and refinement. During the tour, visitors can explore the historic cellars and learn about the techniques used to produce wines appreciated all over the world. The tastings are an unmissable moment to savor the quality of the company’s wines, accompanied by an accurate explanation of the organoleptic characteristics and history of each product. The visits take place in a welcoming and informal environment, making the experience unique and fascinating for wine enthusiasts and for those who want to get closer to this world.
During the tastings, it will also be possible to visit the Piero and Salvatore Leone de Castris Wine Museum, dedicated by the grandson and son Piernicola to the memory of two pioneers of Apulian viticulture.
