Cheap and Good: Castello Monaci’s “Liante” Salice Salentino

I have to give props to this dirt-cheap wine because it packs a lot of character. Costing around 4 euro, Liante is nicely balanced and expressive. It is versatile, and will pair well with pasta and tomatoes, beefy and light mushrooms, saucy chicken dishes, sausage dishes, pretty much all red-meat dishes, and pizza. It represents the character of the Salice Salentino DOC well, with a silky mouthfeel and friendly fruit. Its expressive character comes from a gentle almond flavor, both on the nose and in the mouth. Medium body, clean and dry finish, earthy. Another good offering from Castello Monaci.

Castello Monaci
2008 “Liante” Salice Salentino DOC
(Negroamaro and Malvasia Nera di Lecce)
Partially aged in oak.