Li Veli Salento, Apulia

Masseria Li Veli is an imposing building on the southernmost slopes of the Murge hills. The project is the result of a partnership between the Guercia Sammarco, Maci and Falvo families. Together they have decided to give new life to an old dream of the Marquis Antonio De Viti De Marco, a famous Italian economist who at the beginning of the century had chosen this farm to transform it into a model winery for the whole of southern Italy. The pre-existing stone structure has been transformed and enlarged, according to a well-planned and functional design in keeping with the style and layout of the original building. Today the estate comprises 35 hectares of vineyard with alberello training, planted with the traditional Apulian varieties: Negroamaro, Primitivo, Malvasia Nera and Susumaniello. The present production is of 100 000 bottles. In the next few years, with the acquisition of further property, the area under vine will cover 60 hectares - with traditional varieties and training systems- reaching a total production of 300 000 bottles of top quality wine.

"Passamante" Salento IGT 2005 This exquisite wine is made from the classic southern Italian variety of Negroamaro. It is aged in a combination of wood and steel for 6 months with a further refinement in bottle for 6 months prior to release. It possesses an intense deep ruby colour with violet hues. The nose is full with a persistent fragrance of prune, cherry and marmalade underpinned by caramel oak notes and a touch of cracked pepper. The palate is rich with flavours of plum and dark chocolate and an intriguing sense of almond comes through on the impressive finish. "This smoky and savoury red melds dark cherry sweetness with an earthy spice and refreshing mintiness. A delicious everyday wine to pour with grilled meats or hearty pasta." 87 points, Wine & Spirits, June 2007

"Orion" Salento IGT Primitivo 2007 This delicious, fruit driven red is made solely from Primitivo. After fermentation, the wine spends 4 months in wood and a further 3 months in bottle prior to release. It is a dense ruby wine with typical mauve notes at the rim. It is immediately intense on the nose with marked aromas of ripe, fleshy red fruits, notably cherries followed by spicy notes of cloves. On the palate this is clearly a powerful, full-bodied wine, with dense ripe fruit, yet its fine acid structure keeps it fresh and appealing. A modest 13% alcohol (for Primitivo), stops the wine from becoming clumsy. The perfect complement to red meat and game and ripe or semi-ripe cheeses.

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All wines are available by the unmixed case to Licensees and Private Consumers, subject to availability.

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