Leverano

"Leverano" is a Protected Designation of Origin that identifies red wines (also Riserva and Novello), rosé and white wines (with the variants Passito and Dolce Naturale) as well as numerous types with indication of grape variety: Malvasia white, Chardonnay, Fiano and Negroamaro (in the versions Rosso, Rosato, Rosso Riserva and Rosso Superiore).

Grapes

The red, Novello and Rosato PDO "Leverano" is made up of at least 50% Negroamaro and Malvasia nera di Lecce, Montepulciano and Sangiovese up to a maximum of 40%. Grapes from other black grapes may also be added, provided they belong to the same production area, in a percentage not exceeding 30%. The varieties of "Leverano" Bianco, Bianco Passito and Dolce Naturale must contain at least 50% white Malvasia and 40% Vermentino. Leverano" wines with the specifications Chardonnay, Fiano or Malvasia bianca must be obtained from the vinification of at least 85% of the grapes belonging to these vines, together with grapes from other white grapes present on the estate. The DOP "Leverano" Negroamaro, Negramaro Rosso or Negramaro Rosato is obtained for at least 85% from the corresponding variety of vine and to a lesser extent from other black grapes suitable for cultivation in Puglia. For the "Leverano" Negroamaro or Negramaro Rosso with the specification "Superiore", the composition includes the grape variety Negroamaro (for at least 90%) and other black grapes from the same production area (for a maximum of 10%).

Physicochemical and Organoleptic properties

The red "Leverano" (minimum total alcoholic strength by volume 11.5% vol.) has a ruby to garnet colour, with orange reflections in the Riserva variant (12.5% vol.); the aroma is characteristic, vinous and pleasant; the flavour is dry, harmonious, with a delicate bitterish background. The Novello version (11% vol.), on the other hand, stands out for its fruity aroma and savoury taste. In the Rosato (11% vol.) the colour tends towards a light cherry and is combined with a fruity and slightly vinous aroma and a dry, fresh, harmonious and pleasant flavour. The white (10.5% vol.) is straw yellow, with a pleasant and delicate aroma and a characteristic, dry and harmonious flavour. Then there are the single-varietal variants and those obtained with special winemaking techniques. All have additional organoleptic characteristics, compared to the basic wines, which are described in detail in the product specification.

Grape production area

The production area is limited to the municipality of Leverano and has all the characteristics of the Salento peninsula.

Specificity and historical notes

The history of the DOC "Leverano" begins with the activity of two historic producers in the area who, in the '60s, already made wines with Negroamaro and Malvasia nera.