About this wine
Vineyard and terroir
Salento, in southern Puglia, has a hot, dry and arid climate. The fruit comes from vines more than 20 years old. Li Veli uses the settonce planting method, combining high-density planting with maximum sunlight and good air circulation. This promotes even ripening and helps limit vine diseases. The sites and vineyard aspects used for the native varieties in the Askos range were selected according to the needs of each variety.
Vinification
The grapes are harvested by hand in mid-September, sorted on a conveyor, destemmed and pressed. Fermentation takes place in French oak vats at a controlled temperature of 22–28 °C.
Ageing
The wine matures for nine months in barriques and 50 hl French oak casks.
Label / history
Askos is a Li Veli project devoted to ancient Puglian grape varieties at risk of disappearing. The range also includes wines made from Susumaniello, Negroamaro, Verdeca, Primitivo and Aleatico.
The name askos means “carafe” in Greek and refers to the ancient Greeks’ role in establishing winemaking in the area, evidenced by artifacts found throughout Puglia, including remains of wine vessels. The settonce planting pattern is depicted on an ancient hexagonal coin with a hole in its centre.
