Aleatico is one of Puglia’s most historic aromatic red grape varieties. Leone de Castris sources their fruit from mature vineyards in Salento, where the warm Mediterranean climate allows the grapes to achieve exceptional ripeness and concentration. Harvest is in late September, the fruit partially dried to increase sugar concentration before fermentation.
2022
The 2022 vintage is bottled at 15% alcohol with residual sugar around 120 g/L. In the glass, it’s a deep ruby-red colour with violet highlights. The bouquet is intensely fragrant, led by aromas of rose petals, wild berries and cherry conserve, with hints of sweet spice. The palate is naturally sweet, velvety and generous, balancing rich fruit concentration with sufficient freshness to avoid heaviness. Serve lightly chilled at 12-14°C as a dessert wine, or as an aperitif with salty cheese.
