When contemporary style seamlessly blends with ancient tradition, and one man’s dream is nourished with an extraordinary passion and a modern vision, the wine of Cantine Menhir Salento comes to life. Gaetano Marangelli, along with his brother, Vito Angelo, natives of Puglia, have seen this dream come to fruition in an unusually short time. In 2000, he began making wines through artisan processes that respect the time-honored traditions of local winemaking, while experimenting with unfamiliar varietals and exploring new ways to emphasize the uniqueness of Puglia’s grapes, fertile soil, and vineyards. The result is harmonious, balanced, yet uniquely powerful wine. The wines have received numerous national and international awards and are distributed in thirty countries around the world.
Cantine Menhir Salento currently has 10 hectares of vineyard in the fertile coastal region of Laghi Alimini. One part of the vineyard is home to ancient primitivo vines more than 80 years old, while the other is comprised of new vines including minutolo, aleatico, malvasia nera, susumaniello, and negro amaro.
The winery is situated in the heart of the historical center of Minervino di Lecce in Puglia, Italy’s “heel of the boot”. It is located about 10km from the historical town of Otranto and the breathtakingly beautiful coast of the Adriatic, and is surrounded by olive groves, ancient olive oil presses, awe-inspiring medieval fortresses, and parks of megalithic Menhir and Dolmen structures. The medieval village of Minervino di Lecce looks and feels much as it has for centuries. Graced with stone-carved architecture, picturesque courtyards, open markets, and narrow streets, this charming villages continues to honor and celebrate its customs and cultural treasures such as, the folk-style pizzica dances, patron saint holidays, ancient religious rituals, and seasonal ceremonies.
A baronial palace from the XVIII century is home to the winery. The primary focus remains the integrity of the wine. Cantine Menhir Salento has come this far due to its dedication to authenticity and commitment to superior quality.
Cantine Menhir’s philosophy is that amazing wine should be affordable to everyone, a universal language engaging friends in conversation and uniting people across continents and cultures.