- THE WINES OF SALENTO (D.O.C.) -

News and information

Copertino, Leverano, Primitivo di Manduria, Salice Salentino

My recommendations

  Copertino

n area of Copertino the wine producing has one of the best micro - climates for growing "Negroamaro" and "Malvasia nera" (classic Salentina grapes). Copertino can be produced from pure "Negroamaro", even if it is preferable to add at least 20% of "Malvasia nera" and "Moltepulciano" (other varieties of grapes) to soften it's flavour, making it velvet smooth and delicately tannic. Infact the high quality of the Copertino we have selected is maintained by the careful balance of the qualities found in all three types of grapes, and in favourable years also the "Sangiovese" variety. There are three types of Copertino: Rosč, Red and Red-reserve (with a minimum aging process of two years). We suggest you enjoy these wines accompanied with a meal. For all meats the rosato; with pasta and light game (pheasant) the red and the red - reserve with roast meat and other game. The reserve is at it's best after it is three years old. .

  Leverano

everano D.O.C. is found in the little area of Leverano and the out-lying villages of Arnesano and Copertino; in which there are a fair amount of vineyards with white grapes, grown next to the predominate "Negroamaro", "Malvasia", "Moltepulciano" and "Sangiovese". This was the only D.O.C. produced in Salento until the arrival of "Salice". It is red, rosč and white and is made from Malvasia grapes (pure if desired). Which can be blended with up to 35% of "Bombino Bianco" and "Trebbiano Toscano" grapes. It has a yellow - strawlike colour, a pleasant bouquet and is delicate and dry. It goes well with pasta dishes, vegetables and white meats. To produce the red, red reserve and rosč "Negroamaro" grapes can be mixed with up to 10% of "Malvasia nera", "Sangiovese" and "Moltepulciano". They are dry wines characterised by a delicately underlying (sharp) flavour and go well with all dishes, in particular first courses and both red and white meat. The rosč goes well with fish soups.

  Primitivo di Manduria

s, together with "Negroamaro" and "Troy" grapes "Primitivo", one of the three pillars of Apulian grape-growing. The wine from this grape is in particular demand by the French wine industry, who need to strengthen their produce especially in bad years. However up until now there hasn't been a huge interest in the wine when bottled and the majority is sold in large containers. Production methods of the D.O.C. give three varieties with a high alcoholic content. (Sweet natural, Strong Sweet Natural and Strong Dry). Particularly good for finishing a meal and with seasoned cheeses. The variety with 14° is ruby red, with a strong bouquet and a dry taste. It goes well with all meals and is perfect with meat dishes and Mediterranean cookery.

  Salice Salentino

ast name Salice should probably be reserved only for the red wine that in the last few years, thanks to the work of wine Produce Cosimo Taurino and oenologist Severino Garfano has had excellent results. The success has created perplexity in whether to produce other types of wine and in the foreseen development of a white Salice Bianco, using Chardonnay, Sauvignon, Trebbiano Toscaneo, Garganega and Malvasia Bianca varieties of grapes. (Not traditionally grown in Salento). Infact it should probably remain only as an excellent red or rosč wine (not forgetting the reserve which is aged for two years, one of which is in the cask). It is made from "Negroamaro" grapes and may be blended with 10 - 20% of the "Malvasia Nera" variety either from the Brindisi or Lecce area; a way of making it softer and more perfumed. The red is particularly good for accompanying pasta dishes, grilled meat, roast lamb or goat and strong cheese; the reserve goes well with all dishes and goes well with starters, cold meat, white meat and Sweet cheese.