Montepulciano d’Abruzzo is not just an obscure wine from a tiny part of Italy. It’s the second most planted red grape in Italy (second to Sangiovese) and Montepulciano d’Abruzzo is one of the most exported DOC wines from Italy. It’s approachable and rustic, food friendly and it’s budget friendly so feel free to add it to your list of everyday wine (you have a list right?). So in conclusion, it’s kind of a big deal.
Montepulciano grape, photo from Wikimedia Commons
In this episode we discuss:
- Montepulciano grape: where’s it grown and it’s characteristics
- Abruzzo Region: geography and climate, classifications, and wine production
- Montepulciano d’Abruzzo wine: styles and flavor characteristics
- Food pairings
Wine Recommendations:
Cantina Zaccagnini il vino “dal tralcetto” Montepulciano d’Abruzzo 2013 – priced around $15. This 100% varietal has a bouquet of violets, dark berries, and wood. This wine is nuanced with flavors of blackberry, tar, and cedar, with a chocolate covered espresso bean finish and is dry with medium body, tannins and acidity.
Talamonti ModA’ Montepulciano d’Abruzzo 2015 – priced around $11. Another 100% varietal! This wine is dry with medium body and tannis but is slighly more acidic than the first wine. Aromas of cherries, dried herbs, baking spice, violet, and dust with flavors of sour cherries, red plums, cranberries, and dust. It’s lively, mouth-watering, and slightly tart.
Sources:
Sources: Wine Folly, Wikipedia, chalmersnurseries.com, other
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