Castello Monaci

Castello Monaci is located in Puglia's Salento region, on the "heel of the boot" that is Italy. In this emerging region, Castello Monaci is a benchmark producer crafting wines with the unique characters of Southern Italy's indigenous grapes Primitivo, Negroamaro and Malvasia Nera. The region of Puglia is drenched in the most intense sunlight in all of Italy tempered only by nearby Mediterranean Sea that provides constant, cooling maritime winds. This unique climate helps produce exquisitely balanced fruit. The Castello Monaci estate is housed in a 16th century castle with medieval foundations once run by Basiliani monks who maintained a long winemaking tradition. Lina Memmo, whose family has owned the estate since the 19th century, and husband Vitantonio Seracca, currently own the property.

The cellars are surrounded by over 350 acres of vineyards with additional acreage planted to experimental plantings of white varietals near Brindisi on the Adriatic Sea. Each vineyard parcel is cultivated, harvested and vinified separately in small tanks. These are wines disegnati dal sole, or 'crafted by the sun.'

"Castello Monaci is one of the most beautiful properties in Puglia. It includes a fairytale castle with intricate crenelated walls and a stunning courtyard garden. In fact, this is one of the most popular sites for weddings in the southern half of the Italian peninsula. The winemaking activities of the estate are managed by Gruppo Italiano Vino, Italy's biggest wine company. GIV was among the first to make important investments in Puglia, and was also among the first to employ temperature-control technology for hot climate wines. I have tasted the wines from Castello Monaci regularly over the past decade and can attest to their overall consistency and quality. "--THE WINE ADVOCATE

"Castello Monaci is an excellent source of value wines." --THE WINE ADVOCATE

"Castello Monaci could well be considered a model for winemaking in Apulia." --

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