Castello Monaci's stunning-as-a-storybook estate is housed in a 16th century castle, with medieval foundations, once run by monks who maintained a long winemaking tradition.
image courtesy of Castello Monaci and Frederick Wildman & Sons Importers
Growing up, I devoured all of the classic fairy tales and daydreamed about leaving behind the mean streets of Manhattan for a beautiful castle abroad. My grown-up daydreams are slightly more pragmatic but now they also include a vineyard! Maybe a castle of my own, with endless rows of grapevines, is still out of reach but a bottle of Castello Monaci wine transports me to their stunning 16th century castle in the Salento region of Puglia. Surrounded by 350 acres of vineyards, Castello Monaci not only attracts wine lovers but also couples looking to create their own fairytales -- it is one of southern Italy's most popular wedding
venues.
image courtesy of Castello Monaci and Frederick Wildman & Sons Importers
Castello Monaci Brand Ambassador Luigi Seracca Guerrieri plays an important role in his family's winemaking legacy.
Every fairy tale requires a prince and I've assigned that role to Luigi Seracca Guerrieri, Brand Ambassador for Castello Monaci. To my knowledge, charming Luigi isn't technically royalty but his family has owned the estate since the 19th century. Trained as a lawyer, Luigi opted to follow his passion for wine and pursued formal training in viticulture to supplement the knowledge he had gained from a lifetime of assisting his father, Vitantonio, in the vineyards.
Castello Monaci is one of the few estates in Puglia to be certified sustainable. The castle is also surrounded by 3,000 olive trees.
image courtesy of Castello Monaci and Frederick Wildman & Sons Importers
Luigi was recently in NYC and we met over lunch to taste through the current vintages of Castello Monaci wines. Their red wines are crafted from the indigenous Puglian grapes Negroamaro, Primitivo, and Malvasia Nera. Although the vineyards are in the sunniest and southernmost part of Puglia, the vines benefit from the cooling maritime breezes of the Ionian and Adriatic seas. Red wines from Puglia often have a reputation for being too big and unwieldy, but Castello Monaci's location produces grapes that balance richness with freshness. The reds retain a classic Puglian boldness but are also impressively graceful and vibrant. White grapes, Verdeca and Fiano, are planted on their 150 acres near the Adriatic coast.
Castelli Monaci "Acante" Fiano Salento 2016 ($16)
Fiano is closely associated with Italy's Campania region but Castello Monaci's expression shows that Puglia can produce a pretty compelling Fiano. Refreshing and crisp with vibrant fruit, minerality, and a hint of nuttiness that adds balance and nuance.
Castello Monaci "Petraluce" Verdeca Salento 2017 ($15)
Summertime is the perfect season for exploring new wines, so add Petraluce to your must-sip list! This was my first encounter with Puglia's indigenous Verdeca grape and it won't be the last. Glimmering in the glass like Puglian sunshine, the name Petraluce is inspired by the light-colored stones that dot the vineyard and reflect the sun. Fresh, fruity, and crisp with a hint of tropical fruits and soft splashes of salinity that evoke the sea; Petraluce and summer are a perfect pair.
Castello Monaci "Kreos" Rosé Negroamaro Salento 2017 ($14)
Darlings, we're not in Provence anymore -- this bright pink rosé with the Greek inspired name is absolutely Puglian! While many regions are imitating the pale pink hue of Provencal rosé wines, Kreos is unabashedly and authentically vivid. Negroamaro is a bold grape but this rosè shows off its more delicate side. Fun and fruity with fresh red berry flavors and a kiss of spice.
Castello Monaci "Pilùna" Primitivo 2016 ($15)
Primitivo is Puglia's most famous indigenous grape and it can produce powerhouse wines with tremendous aging potential. Sultry and spicy, Pilùna is a young Primitivo that displays all of the grape's best qualities; rich & dark fruit, and peppery spice. Pilùna has minimal oak influence so it boasts an impressive freshness that really captures the essence of the grape and terroir.
Castello Monaci "Aiace" Salice Salentino Riserva DOC 2014 ($26)
Bold, velvety, and rich like the voice of Pavarotti, this voluptuous blend of mostly Negroamaro (80%) and Malvasia Nera (20%) is impeccably balanced. Fruit, earth, and spice in perfect harmony.
Castello Monaci "Artas" Primitivo Salento 2015 ($39)
There's nothing shy about this come-hither red that beautifully unleashes the full power and complexity of Primitivo. Ripe and juicy but not jammy, Artas takes your palate on a journey of luscious dark fruit, peppery spice, licorice, and savory herbs. With impressively taut tannins, vibrant acidity, and a dramatically long finish; this princely Primitivo will sweep you off your feet.
image courtesy of Castello Monaci and Frederick Wildman & Sons Importers
If you're planning a trip to Puglia, Castello Monaci welcomes guests for tours and wine tastings. And if your daydreams include a fairytale wedding in Italy, they can make your wish come true! Visit their website for more information.
