In the tradition of Apulian rosés, Negroamaro plays the leading role. Vinified in rose gives a fine, fruity and very lively wine with a delicate aroma.
Eighty percent of Puglia’s reds and rosés see a significant percentage of Negroamaro in their grapes. This grape, probably introduced to the Ionian arc by the Greeks, finds its greatest diffusion in Lecce, Brindisi and the province of Taranto. With abundant and consistent production, it is well adapted to dry soils and hot climates.
The rosés of Salento
Vinified in rose, often together with Malvasia Nera, the Negroamaro is the star of Salento’s famous rosés. The now-established trend in Apulian viticulture, aimed at upgrading its wines (once marketed in bulk and largely intended for blending), has also begun to bear fruit with regard to this pink grape variety.
We have chosen three rosés from three different producers: the superclassic Salento Rosato Five Roses 79th Anniversary 2022 Leone de Castris, the Salento Negroamaro Rosé Kreos 2022 Castello Monaci, and a newcomer, the Salento Negroamaro Tacco Rosa 2022 Tenute Stéfano.
Leone de Castris
Piernicola Leone de Castris is the heir to a dynasty of Salento winemakers, whose origins go back at least three centuries, and who have made a decisive contribution to vine and wine culture in Apulia. Today he leads a modern and efficient winery that churns out fine labels and honors his historic roots.
Castello Monaci
Vitantonio Seracca Guerrieri and his wife Lina Memmo, the last heir of the ancient owners, are the lucky castellans of this dreamy place near Salice Salentino. Monks Castle is a Fortified structure dating back to the 16th century, and has been restored several times. All around vineyards as far as the eye can see, some 210 hectares, now tended by the Gruppo Italiano Viniwhich is also involved in wine production and marketing.
Tenute Stèfano
Dario Stefàno is Senator of the Republic. With a winemaker’s heart. In 2019, he takes on the role of a winemaker with advice from renowned winemaker, Riccardo Cotarella. In the heart of the Negroamaro DOC, on the road between Brindisi and Lecce are its vineyards. Here there is rock already 60 cm deep, even less in some places, and this forces the roots to stay on the surface causing more water to be absorbed and slower maturation to occur. This is the almost unique feature that combined with wind and sunshine make the fragrant and distinctive scents of this rosé.
TO READ THE WINE DESCRIPTIONS, WITH SCORE AND AVERAGE SHELF PRICE, CLICK ON THE TABS BELOW.
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