More discovery of unknown regions as we headed south west of Lecce.
We are in Copertino and Salice Salentino DOC areas now – quite well known and adding yet another string to our Puglian bow.
The Apollonio estate is a delightful family estate producing Negroamaro, Primitivo, Malvasia Nera, Montepulciano, Bianco d’Alessino and more.
Intense reds, fresh whites – this was another story of a Puglian producer undergoing a highly successful transformation from bulk to high quality producer.
Our final event was at the amazing Castello di Monaci to the north of Lecce.
Utterly sensational setting with walled courtyards, beautiful gardens, pools and oases. It was like a fairytale. There was even a wedding going on.
Terrific oak aged Chardonnay, refreshing Rosato, an interesting Malbvasia Nera and some wonderfully intense Salice Salentino.
We then moved onto some refreshing fizz and an gourmet five course dinner, rolling home past midnight – fortunately our carriage stayed intact.