Salice Salentino
Salice Salentino is much more than a denomination—it’s a cornerstone of Apulian wine history. It was one of the first to carry Negroamaro beyond regional borders, revealing to the world the potential of a land where vines grow under a generous sun, rooted in red soils that smell of sea and stone.
In the 1980s and ’90s, this wine became a symbol of the region’s revival. And for those of us who grew up among the vineyards of Salento, it represents a deep root—a starting point. But every root can bear new fruit, and today, our Salice Salentino has a new face, without losing sight of who it is.
The vintage is younger, the aging more restrained: only about 20% of the wine matures in barrique, while the rest preserves its immediacy and freshness. The result is a balanced red wine where fruit takes center stage. It offers aromas of ripe cherry, black pepper, and a gentle note of Mediterranean herbs. On the palate, it’s lean and smooth, with gentle tannins and a drinkability that never weighs you down.
This Salice Salentino is a bridge between past and present. A wine that speaks the language of tradition, but with a lighter, more contemporary accent. Because the strength of a historic DOC lies in its ability to evolve—while remaining true to its identity.
Technical Sheet
- CLASSIFICATION Salice Salentino DOP
- GRAPES Negroamaro
- TRAINING SYSTEM Espalier with spur-pruned cordon
- HARVEST TIME Starting from mid-September
- VINIFICATION After destemming and crushing, the must remains in contact with the skins for a maceration period of about 5–8 days. Fermentation temperature is maintained between 25–26°C.
- AGING Malolactic fermentation in stainless steel; during blending prior to bottling, a portion aged for at least 6 months in French oak is added.
- AGEING POTENTIAL Ready to drink, or enjoy its evolution over 3–4 years
- SERVE AT 18°C
Tasting Notes
COLOR
Deep ruby red with violet highlights—bright and compact.
NOSE
Fragrant and well-balanced, with notes of black cherry, blackberry, and dried violet. Hints of black pepper, Mediterranean scrub, and a subtle toasted touch enrich the profile without overpowering it.
PALATE
The attack is soft, balanced by good freshness and well-integrated tannins. The sip is agile yet complex, with returning fruity and spicy notes and a clean, persistent finish. A more dynamic interpretation of Salice Salentino—true to tradition, yet attuned to a contemporary sensibility.
Food Pairings
With its balance of structure and drinkability, this wine naturally complements flavorful dishes that aren’t overly rich. Its gentle spiciness and ripe fruit profile pair well with home-style recipes and aromatic plates.
Ideal with light roasts, pasta with meat sauces, mushroom risottos, stuffed vegetables, or veal stews. Also excellent with cured meats and semi-aged cheeses.
In Salento cuisine, it pairs beautifully with orecchiette in meat sauce, pitta di patate with onions and olives, carne al fornello (butcher-style grilled meats), tripe with tomato and pecorino, or sagne ncannulate with ragù. A wine that tells the story of Salento with both restraint and depth.
