Rose Wines

Salento Rosé Wine: Excellence from the Heart of Mediterranean Viticulture

The Salento rosé wine represents the excellence of a rugged land, kissed by the Mediterranean sun and embraced by two seas. This region in the heel of Italy has always considered rosé wine the most prestigious, traditionally destined for aristocracy and the first to be commercialized in Italy.

Five Roses: The First Italian Rosé Wine Exported Worldwide

The history of Salento rosé reached international prestige in 1943 with Five Roses by Leone De Castris, the first bottled rosé wine in Italy. American General Charles Poletti, during World War II, fell in love with this Apulian rosé, contributing to the name choice and the first overseas export.

Territory and Native Grape Varieties

Salento rosé wines are born from native grape varieties that perfectly express the Mediterranean terroir:

  • Negroamaro – The soul of Salento rosé, provides elegant structure and characteristic bitter almond finish
  • Primitivo – Adds intensity and fruity character with notes of red berries and spices
  • Malvasia Nera di Lecce – Contributes aromatic complexity with floral and Mediterranean herb notes

These varieties are cultivated using the ancient Apulian bush vine technique. The Mediterranean climate and limestone soils of Lecce, Brindisi, and Taranto provinces give rosé wines their unique minerality and salinity.

Denominations and Characteristics

The Apulian rosé wines are distinguished across prestigious denominations:

Salice Salentino DOC Rosato – Elegance and structure
Rosato del Salento IGT – Versatility and freshness
Primitivo Rosato IGT – Intensity and persistence

Salento rosé wines are characterized by their intense pink color, aromas of red berries and Mediterranean scrubland, fresh and savory taste. Perfect with raw fish, Apulian orecchiette pasta, and fresh cheeses like burrata and mozzarella.

Tradition and Innovation

Today, Salento wineries – from historic estates like Leone De Castris and Candido to innovative projects like Tormaresca and Schola Sarmenti – continue the tradition of Apulian rosé wine, authentic symbol of Salento viticulture and ambassador of the territory worldwide.

Discover the finest Salento rosé wines: elegant, fresh, aromatic and perfect expression of the Mediterranean soul of Puglia.