Castello Monaci - Kreos Rosato, 2018
The story of Castello Monaci began in the XVI century, when some Basilian monks built their place of worship between the towns of San Pancrazio and Salice Salentino. This place was later bought by a string of local and foreign noble families. These included the Parry Graniger from Burgundy (who planted chardonnay and pinot noir in the area) and the Provenzano Family, with the current owner being Mrs. Memmo.
Today the estate is surrounded by 3,000 olive trees and 200 hectares dedicated to viticulture. Cellars are carved into the local tuff stone, hosting wine-making facilities and barrels for maturation. Within the estate, there is also a museum (Museo Merum) which is dedicated to wine history, and focused on the local grape varieties of Puglia.
Castello Monaci grows the famous grapes varieties of Puglia: primitivo, negroamaro and malvasia nera above all. The names of the estate’s wines names echo Greek mythology, in an attempt to connect the present with the glorious past of Magna Grecia.
Kreos is the only rose wine produced by the winery. Its name is a reference to the myth of Eos, the Greek divinity of the dawn. Homer called Eos, the “rosy-fingered” goddess, due to the colour of the sky during sunbreak. A clear hint to the colour of this wine.
This rosé exhibits a rich orange-ruby hue, brilliant and pale in intensity. To the nose, the wine manifests a medium to pronounced intensity of flavours. The fruity aromas are very juicy and succulent. The ripe attack is accompanied by yellow and red peach notes and serenaded by touches of strawberry and red cherry. Around the edges, there are hints of grapefruit and mediterranean shrubs (sage, rosemary, balsamic herbs). Lovely floral notes of violet, lilies, jasmine freshen the nose. Aromatic, perfumed and juicy.
To the palate, this rosé is medium in body with good intensity of flavour and focus. A peachy ripeness makes this wine inviting in its flavours. Bursting notes of red fruit mingle with grapefruit, lime zest and floral nuances (white blossoms, rose, lilies). A lovely crisp iodine minerality lingers in the mid-palate, leading to a finish of Mediterranean herbs and almond. Overall, very floral and fruity with a great balance. Its bright acidity cuts nicely through the ripeness of fruit, conferring a lively accent. A wonderful rosé.