California Wines & Wineries

2012 La Quercia Montepulciano d’ Abruzzo DOCG

Posted on January 7, 2022 Updated on January 7, 2022

Two nights in a row last week, pulled a non-California wine out of the cellar. Today’s wine is especially interesting, and I want to clear up a misconception. Montepulciano are two entirely different wines. Montepulciano d’ Abruzzo is a totally unique and wonderful wine from the Abruzzo region in east-central Italy and not to be confused with the Montepulciano which is mainly Sangiovese grapes from Tuscany. Colline Teramane became a DOCG region (denomianazione di Origine Contraollata Garantita) in 2003. Essential by being a DOCG vs DOC, they must follow stricter guidelines in producing their wine. Only four provinces can produce this wine. The wine must be 90% Montepulciano with only 10% being Sangiovese grapes. Wines from this area overlooking the Adriatic Sea have ample sunlight, fog and ocean breezes to produce some highly developed and well-structured wines.

This wine is deeply colored inky red/purple with pepper spices notes. Often it is called “rustic”. In general, it is “aromatic, tannic and with low acidity”. Key flavors of earthiness, blackberries and prevalent. Often it possesses sweeter tannins and is appropriately paired with hot & spicy peppers and pork dishes. Its ability to age in the cellar is up to 20 years and the price point can range from $8 to $200+. A delightful treat which is often overlooked and confused with the lighter Montepulciano from Tuscany. As the winemaker Antonio Lamona states “I want to make wines that are pleasing to the body and the spirit”. For the typical California wine drinker, you will be pleased if you get a nice bottle of Montepulciano d’ Abruzzo. This Riserva is aged two years in oak barrels creating spice and aromas with dark fruits and briarwood flavors.  Always a favorite wine! Price per bottle was $35/bottle.

Next article will be back to California wines!!

Sláinte,

Michael

https://californiawinesandwineries.com

I purchased this wine at The Wine Steward http://thewinesteward.com/