Salento lies wholly within the Mediterranean microclimate, which is marked by light rainfall in autumn and winter and extremely dry but well-ventilated summers. The prevailing winds, the summer Sirocco and the wintry Tramontana, ensure healthy conditions for the fruit and vines. The vineyards are planted on well-drained calcareous-clayey soils, with very low, almost non-existent nutrient content. Negroamaro is the most important variety in the Vallone’s arsenal and it is utilized for their reds and rosés. Malvasia Nera, Malvasia Bianca, and Montepulciano do quite well there as well. All of the vineyards are planted at an average density of 4,500 vines per hectare and they contain both newly-planted rows as well as rows of vines that are well over 50 years old.

Vereto is an assemblage of rigorously-selected Negroamaro grapes with just a touch of Malvasia Nera to add complexity and elegance. It is the faithful expression of an exceptional terroir, the Tenuta Iore in San Pancrazio Salentino in the heart of the Salice Salentino DOC growing area.

A dense nose with volcanic and red currant tones that are backed by hints of cedar-infused crushed plums. Dark berry fruit dominates the palate and the complex fruity components here are lifted by a gracious note of acidity and backed by subtle tannins. This is a great wine to serve with hearty pasta dishes, homemade pizza or lasagna.

—Donald

“Here is a hearty red, mouthfilling and full-bodied, perfect with full-flavored dishes: it exhibits all of the heady warmth of the Salento's great red wines. The 2003 Salice Salentino Vereto (90% Negroamaro, 10% Malvasia Nera) is absolutely beautiful. It presents an exotic profile of sweet herbs, tobacco and candied cherries with darker sensations than the Vigna Flaminio. It, too, is made in a weightless, refined style but it has an additional level of density and expansiveness that is irresistible. It is a great value.” —WA 91