Aiace Salice Salentino Riserva DOC

Not far from the town of Lecce and from the sea, on the road to Taranto, at the gates of Salice Salentino, centuries-old olive trees and flourishing vineyards surround Castello Monaci. The long corridor which links the main road to the castle is a line which goes thro ugh the estate, a meridian which divides the vineyards and opens the gates to the modern cellar. Here spreads the sun which floods the land and creates unique shapes like the fruits to which it gives birth. Castello Monaci. Drawn by the sun.
An Homeric figure, Ajax Telamon, son of Telamon, is the “Great Ajax”. King of Salamis, he took part in the Trojan War, frequently distinguishing himself amongst the Greek heroes for his strength and outstanding bravery. Strong, imposing and immensely handsome, he was always composed and master of himself.
 
Vintage 2011: the year was characterized by quite a mild autumn accompanied by generous rainfall. The winter was very cold especially in February, with temperatures often dropping below zero . The spring was accompanied by very low rainfall, also during the summer season. Temperatures were therefore quite high, making the grapes ripen perfectly an d having such an anticipation of the harvest season in the first decade of August for white grapes, September for Primitivo, end of September for Negroamaro and Malvasia Nera di Lecce.
Grapes: 80% negroamaro, 20% malvasia nera di Lecce.

Vineyard: parcels trained on deep, dry limestone-clay-siliceous soil; the average yield is 80 quintals of grapes per hectare.

Vinification: grape selection of negroamaro and malvasia nera di Lecce, harvested very early in the morning during the last ten days of September, were vinified in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks, with two weeks' maceration and daily remontages. Following the completion of the malolactic fermentation, the wine is aged for 12 months in 1st and 2nd passage French Oak barriques followed by 12 months in larger French Oak barrels. Bottle refinement lasts for 6 months in a controlled environment before release.

Wine: deep red colour, intense and complex bouquet, structured, fine and elegant, this full and round wine has a long lasting finish.

Analytical details: 16.5 alcohol; 6,5 g/l total acidity; 3.60pH; 6 g/l residual sugar; 35g/l dry extract.