Messapia is the ancient name for the tribe who inhabited the are that is now Salento. This wine is produced entirely with Verdeca grapes, a rare puglian variety that is not related to the similarli named Verdecchio. It used to be the grape of local Vermouth production and is also used in the Lacryma Christi wines of Vesuvius, wines that take advantage of the grape’s neutral flavour at full ripeness. When harvested early however, this grape can be particularly vibrant and citrusy, with beautiful herbal/floral contrasting topnotes. Leone de Castris perfoms a selective harvest at the end of summer, then cold macerates the fruit before a cool ferment in steel. The wine initially ages on the lees for about 3 months, followed by further time in bottle before release.
Delicately pale in colour, the nose opens with hints of wild flowers, well supported by notes of bergamot and pineapple. In the mouth, it shows an excellent flavour and a refined freshness, with lingering exotic fruits on the persistent finish. Partner with seafood and fresh chevre.
2023
“Pale straw yellow with greenish reflections. Very open on the nose. Jasmine, elderberry and lime. Light glacier ice on the finish. Very fresh on the palate with good fruit sweetness. Persistent fruit on the palate. Great fun.” 92 points, Falstaff
93 points, Luca Maroni
