Per Lui – ‘for him’, is a range of the four local grapes of Salento, dedicated to Salvatore Leone de Castia. Father to current owner Piernicola, Salvatore was an innovator of Salento’s viticulture and can be credited in some way to the prevention of grapes like Susumaniello disappearing into obsurity. Ranking among the world’s rarest wine grapes, this indigenous red grape of Puglia is grown almost exclusively in the Salice Salento area.
This wine is from relatively young vines growing on slightly sandy soil, which in an area that is already hot and dry works to concentrate the grapes even further to bring out rich, chocolatey undertones. Added to this, the grapes are allowed to dry slightly on the vine before harvest. The fruit is vinified without oak, but is always aged extensively in bottle before release.
Deep purple-red colour, this has the distinctive bouquet of the variety offset by lovely freshness. There are ripe black cherries and fine spicy notes on the palate, which is dense, harmonious and long-lasting with beautifully integrated tannins.
2017
“Intense, impenetrable ruby red colour. Aromas of black fruit unfold on the nose, accompanied by hints of cocoa, tobacco and leather. Fresh on the palate, with dense, sweet tannins and a long, fruity finish.” 92 points, Falstaff
