Questo vino
Vineyard and terroir
The fruit comes from young estate vineyards, including a small proportion from a cru site. The vines are 10–20 years old. A large Negroamaro vineyard beside the Li Veli winery borders the tall pine trees of the forest known as “Passamante.”
Vinification
The grapes are harvested by hand in mid-September into small boxes, then sorted and pressed. Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled steel tanks at 22–28 °C, followed by malolactic fermentation.
Ageing
The wine matures for six months in 225-litre barrels and a further three months in bottle.
Label / history
The name “Passamante” comes from the neighbouring forest, where lovers were said in ancient times to hide from prying eyes. The place became known as the “lovers’ forest” or “lovers’ pass,” combining “pass,” meaning a mountain pass, with “amante,” meaning lover.
