2025 Leone de Castris Five Roses Rosato Salento IGT 750ml

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Overview

Leone de Castris Five Roses is one of Italy’s most historic rosato wines. Its story began in 1943, when General Charles Poletti requested five bottles of rosato for Allied forces in southern Italy, leading to the release of Italy’s first commercially bottled rosato. More than 80 years later, the 2025 vintage retains its distinctive Mediterranean freshness and character.

Vineyard and Winemaking

Negroamaro and Malvasia Nera were harvested by hand in early September. The grapes underwent cold maceration at 10°C, followed by gentle juice extraction and fermentation in stainless steel. The wine matured for six months in stainless-steel tanks before bottling.

Tasting Notes

Superiore.de: In the glass, a crystalline peach-blossom pink. The nose opens with cherry and wild strawberry – direct, fruity, unmistakably Mediterranean. On the palate, it is fresh and smooth, with a pleasantly long finish.

Critic Reviews

95 Points – Luca Maroni
Tasted July 2026

92 Points – Falstaff
A radiant rose-pink colour with pink highlights. On the nose, lovely fruit notes reminiscent of cherry and raspberry, with hints of lemon zest and fresh herbs. Harmonious on the palate, with a pleasantly creamy texture, precise acidity and final lingering, juicy final.

Awards

• Gold Medal: Sommeliers Choice Awards 2026
• Silver Medal: Concours Mondial de Bruxelles 2026

Serving and Cellaring

Serve chilled at 8–10°C. Enjoy young for its freshness or cellar under suitable conditions until approximately 2029.

Specifications

• Vintage: 2025
• Producer: Leone de Castris
• Wine: Five Roses Rosato
• Blend: 90% Negroamaro and 10% Malvasia Nera
• Appellation: Salento IGT
• Region: Puglia
• Country: Italy
• Harvest: Early September 2025
• Maturation: Six months in stainless steel
• Alcohol: 12.5%
• Residual Sugar: 3.68g/L
• Total Acidity: 6.02g/L
• pH: 3.35
• Total Extract: 26.78g/L
• Serving Temperature: 8–10°C
• Cellaring Potential: Until approximately 2029