Salice, 1961 Red Wine

Leone de Castris - Gran Riserva
Clearance Offer | Last Bottle Was £129 Now £65

Bottle size: 75cl

ABV: 14%

Price:

£65.00

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Description

A Landmark Wine from Puglia’s Heritage
The 1961 Salice Gran Riserva by Leone de Castris represents a true icon of southern Italian winemaking. As one of the first producers to elevate Salice Salentino to serious wine status, Leone de Castris has played a key role in defining the identity of Puglia’s robust reds. This bottle captures both regional tradition and the estate’s pioneering spirit.

An Exceptional Vintage for Longevity
1961 stands among the most celebrated vintages in Italian wine history. In Puglia, it provided ideal warmth and even ripening, allowing the Negroamaro grape to develop deep flavors and remarkable structure. Over time, top examples like this Gran Riserva have transformed into elegant, mature wines with complex aromatic depth.

Rich, Evolved Aromas and Flavors
After more than six decades, this Gran Riserva is expected to display an alluring bouquet of dried dark fruits, fig, leather, sweet tobacco, and balsamic hints. On the palate, it would be smooth and harmonious, with softened tannins and a persistent, savory finish. These tertiary flavors are what make aged southern Italian wines especially captivating to enthusiasts.

Serving and Pairing Considerations
Older southern Italian reds benefit from careful preparation. Stand the bottle upright for several days to allow sediment to settle, and consider a gentle decant just before serving. Serve slightly below room temperature (around 17 °C). Ideal pairings include aged pecorino, slow-cooked lamb, or earthy mushroom dishes that complement the wine’s evolved character.

A Collector’s Time Capsule
The 1961 Salice Gran Riserva offers a rare opportunity to explore the heritage of Puglia through the lens of a historic vintage. For collectors and lovers of traditional Italian reds, it is both a piece of history and a testament to the enduring soul of Negroamaro. Whether shared on a special occasion or enjoyed in reflective solitude, it promises a truly memorable tasting experience.

Condition

Good conditions

Upgrade this item with a Luxury Gift Package

Gold Cardboard Presentation Box - £4.45

Single bottle cardboard presentation box. Includes tasting notes and a personal message (can be input in the Personal Gift Message Box at the basket stage).
***Please note this product is manufactured to fit a 75cl bottle (50cl and 37.5cl bottles can also be packaged inside this box).

Single Bottle Black Wooden Box with Sliding Lid - £7.95

Sliding lid wooden gift box with straw lining. Includes tasting notes and a personal message (can be input in the Personal Gift Message Box at the basket stage).
***Please note this product is manufactured to fit a 75cl bottle (50cl and 37.5cl bottles can also be packaged inside this box).

Single Bottle Dark Mocha Leather Effect Gift Box with Silk Liner - £11.95

Send your wine in a beautiful silk-lined, Dark Mocha Leather Effect gift box.
Includes tasting notes and a personal message (can be input in the Personal Gift Message Box at the basket stage).
***Please note this product is manufactured to fit a 75cl bottle (50cl and 37.5cl bottles can also be packaged inside this box).

2 bottle Wooden Gift Box - £13.95

Create a unique gift package with our two bottle wooden gift box with sliding lid.

Includes tasting notes and a personal message (can be input in the Personal Gift Message Box at the basket stage).
***Please note this product is manufactured to fit two 75cl bottles (50cl and 37.5cl bottles can also be packaged inside this box).

Deluxe Gift box with Accessories - £14.95

Send your wine in a beautiful silk-lined gift Box with an accessories set inlaid into the lid. Includes: Corkscrew; Wine Pourer; Thermometer and Wine Stopper.

Includes tasting notes and a personal message (can be input in the Personal Gift Message Box at the basket stage).
***Please note this product is manufactured to fit a 75cl bottle (50cl and 37.5cl bottles can also be packaged inside this box).

Two Bottle Dark Mocha Leather Effect Gift Box with Silk Liner - £15.95

Create a unique gift package with our luxury Dark Mocha Leather Effect presentation box with silk liners.

Select this option for your first wine and then standard packaging for the remaining wine.

Includes tasting notes and a personal message (can be input in the Personal Gift Message Box at the basket stage).
***Please note this product is manufactured to fit two 75cl bottles (50cl and 37.5cl bottles can also be packaged inside this box).