Best Shot Co.

There’s a common misconception among winos that the darker the rosé, the sweeter it will be—not true! The deep color of a rosé comes from skin contact during production, not the amount of sugar added to the wine.

This Kreos rosé is a Negroamaro rosé from Apuglia, the southeast region of Italy that produces some of the best rosé wines in the world. The name “Kreos” comes from the greek goddess of the dawn, Eos, whose tears forever form the morning dew after her son was killed by Achilles during the War of Troy.

Negroamaro is a 1500 year old grape from Apuglia, and it has been cultivated exclusively in Southern Italy for most of its history. Negroamaro grapes are large and very dark, almost black in color, and produces juicy wines with a large amount of dark berry and earthy flavors.

The great thing about rosé made from Negroamaro is that it’s a rosé that can flex between both red and white wine drinkers with ease. This wine is made with a traditional “saignée method” in which the grape skins are immediately removed from the wine after it has imparted a deep blush color, resulting in its dark pink hue.

Castello Monaci Kreos Rosé is full of ripe strawberry flavor without being a sweet wine, which is fantastic for drinkers who love bright sweet fruit in dry wines. Pomegranate, orange, and melon flavors are dominant in this wine with just enough acid to make it a refreshing glass on its own and enough tannin and spice to pair with bolder dishes.

You can purchase this bottle in Memphis at Joes Wines & Liquors and Buster’s Liquors.