Li Veli is situated in the Puglia region of Italy, the largest wine-producing region in the country. In 1999 the Falvo family, former owners of Avignonesi in Tuscany, purchased the 128 acre property in Salice Salentino, in the heart of the Salento region. The vineyard portion of the estate currently measures 86 acres. Li Veli highlights the region’s principal native varietals, Verdeca for white wine, and Negroamaro and Primitivo, which are made into powerful, inky dark red wines of great character and elegance. Through proper vineyard management and vinification, Li Veli has established a new quality benchmark for wines from Puglia. In 2005 all the grapes from Li Veli’s vineyards were certified organic.

Rating

Wine Spectator 87 points (Jun 15 2011) Rustic yet refined, offering ripe cherry and plum fruit supported by a bright frame, with a touch of licorice lingering on the finish. Drink now. 16,000 cases made. –NW