2018 La Quercia Montepulciano d’Abruzzo – Hard to Beat!
This wine was especially interesting, and I want to clear up a common misconception. Montepulciano and Montepulciano d’ Abruzzo are two entirely different wines. Montepulciano d’ Abruzzo is a 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, in the north central and western area of Italy. Montepulciano d’ Abruzzo comes 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 cherry, blackberries are prevalent. On a palate, some delicious flavors of cherry, blackberries and ripe plums. On the finish a lovely soft tobacco, oak and vanilla rounded out the wine with a hint of earthiness. Often it possesses sweeter tannins and is appropriately paired with hot & spicy peppers, beef 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 $24/bottle. This was recommended as being better than the DOCG and it was wonderful.
Sláinte,
Michael
https://californiawinesandwineries.com
I purchased this wine at The Wine Steward http://thewinesteward.com/
California Wines & Wineries 