Cantele

Overview

Estate

Cantele is a historic winery in the heart of Salento, Puglia, founded by the Cantele family in the 1970s. The winery was born from the meeting of the family’s Venetian roots and their deep connection to the Apulian territory, and it has become, over time, one of the leading producers dedicated to promoting Southern Italy’s native grape varieties.

Climate

The climate of Salento is typically Mediterranean, with long, hot, and breezy summers and mild winters. Its proximity to both the Ionian and Adriatic Seas ensures constant ventilation, helping preserve grape health, freshness, and aromatic balance.

Soil

The vineyards grow in soils of remarkable natural fertility, formed from Salento’s upper Quaternary calcareous-clayey calcarenites. These are deep, moderately to highly permeable soils with medium levels of limestone and a slightly alkaline pH.

Vineyards

The estate vineyards are primarily located between Guagnano and the surrounding Salento municipalities. The cultivated varieties include Negroamaro, Primitivo, Susumaniello, Malvasia Nera, Fiano, and Chardonnay. The vineyards benefit from excellent sun exposure and the region's typical cooling sea breezes.

Cultivation

Old vines are trained as free-standing alberello (bush vines) without support structures. Young vines follow a vertical trellis (espalier) system that guides plant growth within defined spatial parameters.

Winery

The winery combines modern technology with winemaking tradition. Vinification occurs in temperature-controlled stainless-steel tanks to preserve freshness and aromas, while the most important red wines are aged in oak barrels and barriques.

Family

The history of Cantele is tied to the Cantele family, originally from Veneto and who relocated to Puglia after World War II. Today, the winery is led by the second generation of the family, who continue to promote Salento's wine heritage through a modern and international vision.

Winemaker

Gianni Cantele is one of the winery's key figures and carries forward the family vision with a contemporary, quality-oriented approach. His philosophy focuses on enhancing Salento's identity through elegant, expressive wines that combine the richness of Apulian native grape varieties with freshness, balance, and precision.

Focus Point

• Historic winery symbolizing Salento. • Strong focus on Apulian native grape varieties. • Production focused on quality and elegance. • Positive influence of sea breezes on the vineyards. • Balance between technological innovation and tradition. • Strong international market presence.