Sauvignon Blanc originates from the Bordeaux region.

The name derives from the French word “sauvage”. Generally, Sauvignon Blanc buds late and ripens early, meaning that it is perfectly suited to areas with a sunny but not overly warm climate.

Currently grown in all of the world’s leading wine-producing regions, the white Sauvignon grape produces some of the best white wines. Its fermentation in stainless steel containers enables it to retain its characteristic dry notes, aromatic and fresh, which makes such wines instantly recognisable.

Malvasia nera from Lecce is part of the Malvasia family, a group of grape varieties, including Brindisi and Basilicata Malvasia, that share certain characteristics.

Malvasia grapes are generally grown alongside Negroamaro, and are blended with these in winemaking to provide alcohol content, richness and body to the wine.

As a monovarietal, this grape produces a very elegant wine, with harmonious aromas, light in tannins and suitable for immediate consumption.

“Cellina di Nardò” and “l’Ogliarola di Lecce” are the main cultivars grown in the Salento region. They both have ancient origins: Cellina was introduced to Salento by the Saracens between the 8^th and 9^th centuries A.D., while Ogliarola appears to date back even further – indeed it has been identified as the “Salentina” referred to by Cato in 200 B.C. When blended and made into extra virgin olive oil they produce fruity oils, which are lightly bitter with pleasant almond overtones.

We grow Cellina and Ogliarola in the La Rena estate in Salice Salentino.

It is believed to have originated in the Lapio municipality, East of Avellino. Its presence in Puglia dates back to the 12th century, thanks to Charles II of Anjou who wanted Fiano planted in the royal vineyards in Puglia.

The pedoclimatic conditions in Salento are well-suited to Fiano, allowing it to acclimatise perfectly while retaining its specific and original characteristics. So much so that it is considered today to be one of the white grape varieties that best represents Puglia.

Wine produced using Fiano grapes is characterised by an intense straw-yellow colour, releasing fruity and floral notes on the nose, with a good structure on the palate and rich in flavour.

Susumaniello is one of the indigenous grape varieties that has returned to favour in recent years, thanks to the interest of organisations, institutes and groups of producers (including our company, which is a partner in the Vinum Loci project).

Susumaniello is a grape variety that probably comes from the Dalmatia region, and it owes its name to the fact that it is particularly productive at a young age, meaning that its shoots are loaded like a “somaro” [donkey].

Until approximately twenty years ago, Susumaniello was reasonably common in the province of Brindisi, but two factors led to its definitive disappearance in recent years. The main reason is closely linked to the drastic drop in productivity levels typical of the mature phase of this grape variety – after about 10 years.

The second, instead, relates to the progressive downturn in demand for sweet filtered products, which was the primary use of these grapes in the past.

Experiments have recently been performed to produce a monovarietal from this grape, which seem to have delivered positive results, while Susumaniello has proven to be perfectly compatible with Negroamaro in blends. The wine produced has a very full-bodied and robust structure and a deep ruby colour; the aromas emerge fully after being left to breathe for a long period, giving way to a complex and varied bouquet. The sensation on the palate is one of great depth on initial impact, but it loses its more acute notes over time, giving way to more delicate, lingering notes.

Verdeca is  the main white grapes in Apulia. The origins are not sure but probably it has been imported from Greece, like most of the Apulian local grapes. Genetically it should show some affinity with the Portuguese grapes ‘Alvarinho’ from ‘Vinho Verde’ area. The name is coming from the colour of the grapes which is green (‘verde’ in Italian). This is the reason why also in the wine you can find the green reflex. The grapes are medium size with oval shape and hoarfrosted skin. The maturation of the grapes is between September and October. Verdeca prefer the soil not so deep. Up to few years ago the ‘Verdeca’ grapes were used to mix with other grapes or in the sweet wines or vermouth production. Verdeca grapes express themselves with the characteristic straw yellow and greenish highlights. The main characteristic of this variety is the capacity to keep a good acidity during the maturation even if the climate is warm and without any temperature excursion. The nose has interesting hints of wild flowers together with citrus fruits as bergamot and exotic as pineapple. It has a fresh taste, sapid and nicely persistent.

Of unknown origin, the Negroamaro grape may have originally grown on the coasts of Puglia, or may have been brought here by the Greeks. Today they are most commonly found in the Lecce and Brindisi provinces. Various theories have been proposed regarding the etymological meaning of the name. Some believe that it originates from the dark colour of the resulting wines and their characteristic slightly bitter taste, but the more persuasive hypothesis suggests that the term Negroamaro derives from the words “niger” (Latin) and “maru” (Ancient Greek) both of which mean “black”. These grapes produce a wine with an impenetrable ruby red colour; the aroma is intense and spicy with a hint of cherry and red fruit jam and a characteristically bitter taste.
The significance of the Negroamaro grape variety is attested to by the fact that the Puglia DOC group (such as Salice Salentino Doc) to which it belongs has by now gained firm recognition.

Many believe that the origins of Chardonnay are unknown. Some scholars suggest  that it originated in the Middle East, while others claim that these grapes are the result of the spontaneous hybridisation of an already domesticated grape (probably Pinot) and an Illyrian grape variety (from such areas as Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia, Montenegro and Albania).

The Burgundy region, and specifically the municipality of the same name, can, however, be pinpointed as the native land and of Chardonnay, and the place where it is officially grown.
Many consider it to be the single grape variety that produces the area’s best wines. It is like a brand name recognised across the world, and is used to produce monovarietals or combined with other grapes. As such, it is found in blends and also in grape mixes. Approximately 11,800 hectares of land is dedicated to growing Chardonnay grapes in Italy.

Of unknown origin, the Negroamaro grape may have originally grown on the coasts of Puglia, or may have been brought here by the Greeks. Today they are most commonly found in the Lecce and Brindisi provinces. Various theories have been proposed regarding the etymological meaning of the name. Some believe that it originates from the dark colour of the resulting wines and their characteristic slightly bitter taste, but the more persuasive hypothesis suggests that the term Negroamaro derives from the words “niger” (Latin) and “maru” (Ancient Greek) both of which mean “black”. These grapes produce a wine with an impenetrable ruby red colour; the aroma is intense and spicy with a hint of cherry and red fruit jam and a characteristically bitter taste.
The significance of the Negroamaro grape variety is attested to by the fact that the Puglia DOC group (such as Salice Salentino Doc) to which it belongs has by now gained firm recognition.

Many believe that the origins of Chardonnay are unknown. Some scholars suggest  that it originated in the Middle East, while others claim that these grapes are the result of the spontaneous hybridisation of an already domesticated grape (probably Pinot) and an Illyrian grape variety (from such areas as Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia, Montenegro and Albania).

The Burgundy region, and specifically the municipality of the same name, can, however, be pinpointed as the native land and of Chardonnay, and the place where it is officially grown.
Many consider it to be the single grape variety that produces the area’s best wines. It is like a brand name recognised across the world, and is used to produce monovarietals or combined with other grapes. As such, it is found in blends and also in grape mixes. Approximately 11,800 hectares of land is dedicated to growing Chardonnay grapes in Italy.

Primitivo became extremely common throughout the Salento area towards the end of the 1800s.
Primitivo is a grape variety that originated in Gioia del Colle, in the province of Bari, but the best known variety is grown in the Lecce, Brindisi and Taranto areas, and is famous and appreciated throughout the world.

Malvasia is a variety that belongs to a very large and heterogeneous family, and as such it is widespread across the country, though in many cases the different types only really resemble each other in name.

The element that most frequently differentiates them is their aromatic profile; indeed Malvasia includes particularly aromatic versions such as Candia, and those that are less intense from an aromatic perspective, but more full-bodied and richer in flavour, such as those found in the Salento area.

It is presumed that the name Malvasia originates from the Greek city “Monemvasia” in the Peloponnese region, the name of which means “port with only one entrance”. The term Malvasia seems to have been coined, through assonance, by the Venetians who sold this esteemed wine from the Peloponnese region.

For far too long Malvasia Bianca was regarded as a grape that was only suitable for producing young white wines. Research carried out by our company, however, has shown that the levels of catechins found in this grape variety make it suitable for bottle ageing for up to a number of years. Donna Lisa Bianco “Malvasia” is the product of such experience, and seeks to further consolidate our connection with the Salento area.