Castello Monaci "Liante" Salice Salentino, DOC 2006

Castello Monaci "Liante" Salice Salentino, DOC 2006

Castello Monaci is located near the town of Salice Salentino in Puglia, the “heel” of Italy’s boot. This is a warm, dry and sunny spot situated between the Adriatic and Tirrenean seas. This Salice Salentino is made from 80% Negroamaro and 20% Malvasia Nera. After the malolactic fermentation, the wine is blended and approximately half is aged in French barriques and the rest is aged in steel. The color is a deep ruby-red and the aroma is loaded with dried prunes, cherries and chocolate. This rich wine delivers a broad mouthful of dried cherries, plums and cassis along with some subtle minerality and smoke. There is good acidity paired with smooth tannins that contribute to a lingering, harmonious finish. This wine is a modern interpretation of an Old World Style. Pair this wine with some chicken and capers braised in spicy tomato sauce, and you will really appreciate this Southern Italian red. This wine is available at Pete's Wine Shop, in Bellevue, for about $12.