Madri Leone: Women crafting Puglia’s legacy, one bottle at a time
In the picturesque northern reaches of Puglia, where the Murgia and Gargano regions meet the Adriatic’s embrace, Madri Leone stands as a celebration of Puglia’s winemaking heritage. Founded by two Italian women—mothers and entrepreneurs with a shared dream—this boutique winery captures the essence of its unique terroir.
Situated near the breathtaking Margherita di Savoia salt pans and the Ofanto River, Madri Leone thrives in a region marked by its Mediterranean microclimate. Sea breezes and fertile soils nurture their robust vines, resulting in wines that embody the timeless beauty of Apulia.
At a glance
Region: Puglia (Northern Puglia – between Gargano, Murgia & the Adriatic Coast)
Winemakers: Marilia & Linda Leone
Known For: Championing Puglia's native grape varieties through a modern, female-led vision of Apulian winemaking
Wine Style: Authentic, fruit-driven wines with Mediterranean warmth, freshness, and a strong sense of place
Philosophy: Let indigenous grapes tell the story of Puglia through minimal intervention and pure varietal expression
Production: Family-rooted boutique winery built on more than a century of wine heritage, focused on small-scale quality production
Sustainability: Respect for local traditions, native varieties, and the unique ecosystem shaped by the Adriatic Sea and the Ofanto River
Imported by: Porcalorca
Madri Leone is the story of two sisters, Marilia and Linda Leone, who transformed generations of family wine heritage into one of Puglia's most inspiring modern wineries. Located between the Adriatic Sea, the Gargano peninsula, and the vast salt pans of Margherita di Savoia, the estate celebrates the richness of northern Puglia through wines crafted exclusively from native varieties. With a philosophy rooted in authenticity, minimal intervention, and a deep respect for their land, the sisters create wines that express both the strength of their territory and the spirit of the women who inspire every bottle.
The Winemakers: Marilia and Linda
Madri Leone began with the vision and determination of two remarkable women, Marilia and Linda. Their deep-rooted passion for their land and its traditions is the driving force behind every bottle they produce.
Building on a family legacy that began over a century ago, when their grandfather followed his father into the wine trade, Marilia and Linda have transformed their heritage into a vibrant expression of Puglia’s winemaking story. With entrepreneurial spirit and a nurturing touch, they honor their past while boldly paving the way for women in the industry.
Marilia
From the very beginning, Marilia devoted herself entirely to the family business. Her journey began with balancing work in the winery and the laboratory before transitioning into administrative roles. Over time, she became deeply involved in every aspect of the business.
Her commitment to breaking stereotypes in the male-dominated wine industry fueled her resolve to achieve something remarkable—not only for herself but also for others. Marilia’s hands-on approach and relentless dedication have made her a symbol of resilience and innovation in the world of winemaking.
Linda
Originally envisioning a career in law and sociology with aspirations of becoming a magistrate, Linda found her true calling in the vineyards. Drawn by a deep connection to the land and the opportunity to work closely with nature, she joined her sister in shaping the future of Madri Leone.
Linda’s studies in sociology inspired a passion for equal opportunities, which she seamlessly wove into the fabric of the winery’s ethos. Her sensitivity and vision have turned the winery into a platform for empowerment, creating a legacy that celebrates both women and the rich traditions of Apulia.
Winemaking philosophy and practices
Madri Leone celebrates the true potential of Puglia’s native grape varieties, such as Nero di Troia, Primitivo, Negroamaro, Bombino Bianco, Aglianico, Malvasia Bianca e Nera, and Susumaniello. By moving away from blending with northern Italian grapes, they craft wines that highlight the unique character of these indigenous varieties. Each bottle carries the name of a woman who left a significant mark on history, like Valla and Busa, reflecting the winery’s commitment to honoring remarkable stories.
Their winemaking philosophy focuses on minimal intervention to let the vines shine. Fermentation is done exclusively in stainless steel to preserve the purity of the grapes, with the wines maturing in the bottle to develop their natural complexity. Two iconic red wines stand out, offering bold flavors, vibrant acidity, and an authentic representation of Puglia’s winemaking heritage.
Madri Leone’s wines are a testament to their land, their passion, and the vision of two women redefining Puglia’s traditions with every bottle.
Connection to the land: The vineyard’s terroir
Madri Leone’s vineyards are set against the dramatic landscapes of northern Puglia, shaped by the Adriatic Sea and the winds that sweep through the Murgia and Gargano hills. The nearby Nature Reserve of Margherita di Savoia and the fertile plains along the Ofanto River add to the land’s richness, contributing minerality and complexity to the wines.
This unique terroir gives the grapes a bold character, imbuing the wines with vivid flavors and a sense of place that celebrates Puglia’s natural beauty.
Challenges and triumphs: Overcoming adversity
Starting a winery in the competitive world of Italian winemaking required grit and vision. The founders of Madri Leone faced the challenge of defining their identity in a region celebrated for its wine. By focusing on native varieties, authentic methods, and their deep connection to the land, they have successfully established Madri Leone as a distinctive voice in Puglian wine.
Their commitment to showcasing their terroir has earned them a loyal following among wine enthusiasts seeking an authentic taste of Apulia.
Looking to the future: Vision and goals
Madri Leone aims to expand its reach while staying true to its roots. The founders envision a future where their wines become ambassadors of Puglia’s unique terroir, bringing the region’s vibrant flavors and traditions to tables worldwide.
“Having both grown up amidst the rows of vineyards, our inclinations blended into a mix of initiative, enthusiasm, and tenacity, with the goal of supporting women and our territory"
- Madri Leone
Marco’s personal notes
I wandered through the bustling "Terre di Vite" fair in Bomporto, Modena, searching for southern Italian producers for Porcalorca. Just as I was about to leave, one stand caught my eye: Madri Leone.
Linda and Marilia the to sisters behind Madri Leone , with warm smiles and a genuine passion for their homeland, shared their story of crafting wines from Puglia’s native grapes. Tasting their Primitivo and Nero di Troia, I could sense the Adriatic breeze, the warmth of the soil, and the purity of their approach—stainless steel fermentation and bottle aging that let the grapes speak for themselves.
Their wines are a tribute to Puglia’s beauty and heritage, crafted with authenticity and balance. We couldn’t resist bringing their story to Porcalorca.
Discover the Wines
PUGLIA IGP PRIMITIVO
Primitivo is a demanding grape variety, with clusters of tightly packed berries that seem to embrace each other, forming an unbreakable bond that unleashes a captivating power. This wine fully embodies the essence of its fruit without compromise, offering a surprise with every sip. Dedicated to Paolina Busa, who left her mark during the Battle of Cannae, where she provided aid to the wounded soldiers, offering them care and shelter in her home. Her name is woven into the fabric of Puglia’s history, a symbol of strength, compassion, and resilience.
Grape variety
100% Primitivo
Vineyards of origin
Hilly vineyards of Contrada Sant’Antonio, nestled between the stunning salt pans of Margherita di Savoia, the Adriatic Sea, the Alta Murgia Natural Park, and the Tavoliere delle Puglie.
Soil: The sea breezes and the fertile clayey-calcareous soil allow the Primitivo grape variety to fully express its organoleptic profile.
Training system: Guyot-trained espalier.
Season in the field: The excellent climatic conditions ensured optimal phenological ripening, preserving aromatic precursors in the best possible way. This balance is beautifully reflected in the harmony between acidity and alcohol. The grapes, hand-harvested in crates, were picked at the end of August, beginning of September.
Average yield: 50 q/ha.
Vinification
Fermentation takes place in small stainless-steel vats, lasting approximately 10 days. Malolactic fermentation is also entirely carried out in stainless steel.
Aging: 6 months on fine lees with bâtonnage, followed by several months in the bottle, method that lets the grapes speak for themselves, enhancing their natural characteristics.
Organoleptic aspects
Bright ruby red. On the nose, graceful with delicate aromas of ripe red fruits, strawberry, red currant, spicy notes, and subtle hints of tea leaves and hibiscus. On the palate, red fruits reemerge; moderately warm, with a pleasant freshness that balances the sip and enhances drinkability.
Pairings
Primitivo pairs wonderfully with medium-aged cheeses. With cured meats, this wine shines when matched with savory and peppery raw selections. It complements pasta dishes enriched with salted ricotta or grated Parmesan. Excellent with red meat and game dishes, as well as traditional Apulian cuisine. Gourmet pairings such as wild boar ragù, duck breast, partridge, or quail work beautifully, as do meat and game dishes from Nordic cuisine.
Alcohol content and serving temperature
Alcohol content: 14% Vol.
Serving Temperature: 16 - 18 °C.
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PUGLIA IGP NERO DI TROIA
Valla is associated with the figure of Ondina Valla, an Italian athlete who achieved numerous victories in sprints, hurdles, and long jump. At just 20 years old, during the 1936 Berlin Olympics, she broke the world record in the 80-meter hurdles, becoming the first Italian woman to win an Olympic gold medal.
Nero di Troia is a resilient grape variety, producing a wine that is both elegant and assertive. Its intrinsic characteristics perfectly embody the determination of a woman who, hurdle after hurdle, etched the image of the female athlete into history.
Grape variety
100% Nero di Troia
Vineyards of origin
Hilly vineyards of Contrada Sant’Antonio, nestled between the stunning salt pans of Margherita di Savoia, the Adriatic Sea, the Alta Murgia Natural Park, and the Tavoliere delle Puglie.
Soil: The sea breezes and the fertile clayey-calcareous soil allow the Nero di Troia grape variety to fully express its organoleptic profile.
Training system: Guyot-trained espalier.
Season in the field: The excellent climatic conditions ensured optimal phenological ripening, preserving aromatic precursors in the best possible way. This balance is beautifully reflected in the harmony between acidity and alcohol. The grapes, hand-harvested in crates, were picked at the end of September, beginning of October.
Average yield: 50 q/ha.
Vinification
Fermentation takes place in small stainless-steel vats, lasting approximately 15 days. Malolactic fermentation is also entirely carried out in stainless steel.
Aging: 6 months on fine lees with bâtonnage, followed by several months in the bottle, method that lets the grapes speak for themselves, enhancing their natural characteristics.
Organoleptic aspects
Impenetrable ruby red. On the nose, it opens with intense aromas of small black forest fruits, blueberry, wild cherry, and berries, with delicate hints of violet. On the palate, the fruity profile reappears, particularly cherry, with marked freshness. Elegant, with excellent drinkability, perfect for any meal.
Pairings
Valla pairs well with a variety of meat dishes, including flavorful or spiced preparations, as well as game. It is excellent with sweet-and-sour lamb and roasted stuffed guinea fowl. Pasta is also an excellent match, such as orecchiette with cardoncelli mushrooms and fava bean and chicory soup. It is stunning with Apulian cheeses.
Alcohol content and serving temperature
Alcohol content: 14% Vol.
Serving Temperature: 16 - 18 °C.
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