Underwater-aged wine

The first Apulian underwater Metodo Classico “lands” in the market

In contemporary oenology, the underwater-aged wine technique is emerging as an innovative and fascinating approach to aging bottles. With its unique conditions, the sea becomes an alternative maturation environment capable of surprisingly influencing the wine’s characteristics. This concept blends experimentation, sustainability, and a fresh vision of winemaking tradition, offering an extraordinary tasting experience.

Paololeo introduces Mormora, the first Metodo Classico Pas Dosé to be pioneeringly aged underwater, marking a transformation in Apulian winemaking.

After nearly two years in the depths of Porto Cesareo, 1,011 bottles are finally ready. Made from rare native grapes, Verdeca and Maresco, they offer a unique tasting experience that unites research and Apulia’s winemaking heritage.

Paololeo

Who is Paololeo?

Paololeo is a winery in the heart of the Negroamaro Park in Salento. Founded in 1989 from the passion of Paolo Leo and his family, it has now reached its fifth generation.

Cantine Paololeo embodies deep-rooted passion, expertise, and strong family values. Dedicated to sharing Apulia’s winemaking savoir-faire, it also upholds economic, ethical, and environmental sustainability, as certified by Equalitas.

The winery operates two facilities, one in San Donaci and another in Monteparano, with 70 hectares of estate-owned vineyards. It primarily cultivates indigenous grape varieties of the region, such as Primitivo, Negroamaro, Malvasia Bianca, and Nera di Lecce.

Mormora, an underwater-aged wine

Mormora is a manifesto of Apulia’s evolving oenology. It demonstrates how innovation and deep respect for local roots can coexist, opening new horizons for the region’s sparkling wines.

Mormora is a sensory journey that tells the story of a family-run winery. With five generations of expertise, it showcases a deep connection to its homeland.

“This project represents much more than just a wine,” says Nicola Leo, the winery’s enologist. “With Mormora, we wanted to show that Apulia is not only a land of great red wines but also of outstanding sparkling wines. We pushed the boundaries of what wine can achieve by using the sea as a natural aging environment, without refrigeration systems, and by reviving two almost-forgotten native grape varieties. The result is something truly unique—a wine that speaks of our land, our creativity, and our deep respect for the environment.”

The innovative production process involved submerging the bottles at a depth of 30 meters, where the natural motion of the sea provided continuous and gentle bâtonnage, shielding them from light and the influence of lunar phases. This cutting-edge method aligns perfectly with Paololeo’s sustainability philosophy, which has been certified by Equalitas since 2021.

For more information: https://mormora.paololeo.it/