In the radiant heart of Puglia’s Salento peninsula, where olive groves meet red earth and sea breezes carry centuries of tradition, Menhir Salento represents a confident, modern expression of southern Italian winemaking. Founded in 2002 by brothers Gaetano and Vito Angelo Marangelli, the estate is situated between Bagnolo del Salento and Palmariggi, just inland from the Adriatic. From the outset, Menhir has embraced its cultural and agricultural roots while crafting wines that speak fluently to contemporary palates.

The estate cultivates approximately 50 hectares of vineyards, farmed organically and rooted in the region’s native grape varieties. Primitivo, Negroamaro, and Susumaniello form the heart of the portfolio, each variety carefully matched to the soil, light, and exposure of its site. The terroir of Salento—dry, sun-drenched, mineral-rich—imprints itself on every cluster, yielding fruit with depth, texture, and vivid Mediterranean character.

Among Menhir Salento’s standout wines is Quota 29, a plush and structured Primitivo that offers layers of ripe cherry, blackberry, and dark chocolate, lifted by spice and framed by velvety tannins. Pietra, made from Susumaniello, is equally compelling—brighter in tone, with red fruit, floral lift, and a mineral edge. Numero Zero, crafted from Negroamaro, showcases the variety’s depth and savory nuance, with notes of plum, herbs, and dried fig carried on a firm yet graceful structure.

The winery itself is more than a production facility—it is a cultural destination. In a restored masseria, Menhir Salento has created a hub for enotourism, where guests can explore vineyards, engage in guided tastings, and dine on local cuisine prepared with precision and soul. The estate’s osteria, gardens, and hospitality offerings reflect the same balance of tradition and refinement found in the wines.

Menhir Salento is a study in contrasts: bold yet polished, rooted yet forward-looking. By championing indigenous varietals and drawing on the richness of the Salento landscape, the estate continues to elevate the identity of southern Italian wine—one that is as expressive as it is enduring.