With a history that dates back over 2500 years, Masseria Li Veli is built on medieval ruins that were once inhabited by the Romans. In Puglia, Italy, the “Massepi” was an ancient population that lived in “Massepia” the “land between two seas” as the Greeks named them, sitting between the Ionic Sea and the Adriatic in the south of Italy. The area has long been an agriculture center, with the people tied to the land. Today, the area maintains this agricultural tie, with vineyards focused on growing indigenous varieties that thrive in the heat of summer, particularly full-bodied Negroamaro. With a goal to renovate the iconic property, the Flavo family purchased the property in 1999, highlighting the traditions and the rich history of the land. The vineyards, in the Salento region of Puglia, also known as the heel of the boot of Italy, benefit from hot, dry summers, developing wines with density, texture, and deep concentration. Masseria Li Veli Passamante Salice Salentino ($15) is a bold, but balanced Negoamaro based wine, with ripe red berries, touches of baking spice, licorice, and a savory balsamic earthiness. A great weekday night wine, pairing perfectly with braised or grilled meat.