Winemaking excellence from generation to generation
Tenuta Santoro, nestled in the heart of the Itria Valley in Puglia, boasts a history that spans over a century. It was on these very lands that Carlo Santoro, the founder of the family’s winemaking tradition, decided to establish his business in the first half of the 19th century. The estate’s wine brand, Sàrolo, takes its name from “Sarlum,” the ancient Latin name for a portion of the estate’s territory.
This location is further enriched by historic landmarks of great significance, such as the Basilian Hermitage of San Salvatore, Campo Orlando, and the Paretone of Virgil. The red soil, a distinctive feature of the area, is poor in nitrogen but rich in potassium and clay, with a composition that is partly clayey, silty, and sandy. Combined with the karst underground and the significant temperature fluctuations of the region, it creates the ideal conditions for producing high-quality wines.
It is no surprise that Sarlum has been celebrated for its exceptional wines since ancient times; a parchment from 1179 testifies to the high regard for these local wines, which were even exported to the East by the monks of the region. The first vineyards of the Santoro family were planted in 1860, and by 1900, the production of the first indigenous grape varieties began. Over time, the descendants of Carlo Santoro took the reins of the family business, until 1999, when Marco Santoro, the fifth generation, officially established the agricultural company, transforming the traditional winemaking activity into a formal enterprise.
Since 2001, under Marco’s guidance, the company has obtained organic certification for its production. Over the years, Tenuta Santoro has also received numerous accolades. The first recognition came in 2002, when it won the regional wine competition “Apulia 2002,” and the most recent in 2012, when the company was included in the Guida al vino quotidiano (Guide to Everyday Wine) by Slow Food Editore. Among the estate’s flagship products are the Saròlo Bianco, Saròlo Rosato, Saròlo Susumaniello, and Saròlo Grappa, each accompanied by detailed descriptions and pairing suggestions on our website.
The Saròlo Susumaniello, in particular, highlights the character of the grape variety, pairing perfectly with roasts, grilled meats, braised dishes, as well as aged cheeses. Susumaniello stands out also for being a grape variety that has been cultivated for 5 generations, making Tenuta Santoro pioneers in its trade. Looking to the future, Santoro is about to offer two new products: the Bianco Valle d’Itria Spumante Metodo Classico, the result of careful craftsmanship, and the Bianco Valle d’Itria Passito, a sweet expression of the local tradition.
These exceptional wines not only represent the essence of the estate’s artisanal mastery, but also invite enthusiasts to discover their richness and uniqueness. Tenuta Santoro is open to the public from Monday to Saturday: visitors can participate in wine tastings or organize exclusive events, such as themed parties, birthdays, and other celebrations, set against the stunning backdrop of the vineyards in the Itria Valley.
