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 which 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 which is managed by Technical Director Andrea Lonardi who oversees the viticulture and winemaking processes.
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: ‘crafted by the sun.’
“Castello Monaci makes a range of beautiful wines that highlight the unique qualities of Apulia’s indigenous varieties.”—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.” — GAMBERO ROSSO