 This grape variety is particularly close to my heart because it is native of the italian region I come from: Abruzzo. Montepulciano D'Abruzzo is in my opinion one of the most authentic expressions of the italian wine tradition. I believe what I just said because, with a few exceptions, this grape variety is still vinified following traditional simple methods. The wine produced is often robust, rustic, very mineral and at the same time rich and complex. Usually Abruzzo's reds have good ageing potential and are still quite affordable. Montepulciano d'Abruzzo is not to be confused with Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. The first is a wine produced in Abruzzo with the omonym grape; the second is wine produced in Tuscany with Sangiovese grapes. They have both been granted the D.O.C.G. status. Montepulciano D'Abruzzo Colline Teramane D.O.C.G. is the the tipical and most famous red wine of
Abruzzo. The region's most famous white wine is called Trebbiano
D'Abruzzo. Montepulciano has often been described as heavy or even inelegant by
some inexpert and superficial reviewers. As for every other wine, it is true that there are many poorly made wines available in the market, however a good vintage of Montepulciano D'Abruzzo can be aged for about 30 years if well stored and
preserved. Thanks to its natural components, the wine offers extraordinary sensations especially after a few years of maturity. This wine in Italy has been defined by many as "The perfect food wine".When the wine
is young, it shows pure fresh fruit flavours and good minerality; if it is slighltly aged, the color changes from purple-red to garnet and the wine will show aromas and flavours
of black cherry, red fruit marmelades, plenty of spices notes and fine tannins. The
finish is often clean and persitent. Many Montepulciano D'Abruzzo available in stores are the inexpensive versions: they usually have a very attractive ruby red color, medium extraction, a classic full
bodied roundness and nice complexity. Generally speaking they represent some of the best value wines available for retail. If you visit your local fine-wine shop you can probably find the refined versions of this wine at around $30-$40 per bottle.
CURIOSITIES ABOUT MONTEPULCIANO D'ABRUZZO:
Montepulciano D'Abruzzo is often the grape used to make natural dietary supplements intented to enhance blood circulation: its thick skins contain on of the highest concentration of antocyans and antioxidants among all grape varietes. Moreover, many natural lotions that give relief to feet and legs are made with the same compounds. Another small curiosity. I used to live in a small village in the Peligna Valley: close to my own town there is a small village of 600 people famous for its wine production. In the summer of 2004 in that same village 4 persons that were over 100 years old were alive. You can imagine how many were over 90 or even over 80 years old. This are just interesting stories to tell, however they speak about the properties of this grape.
Food and Wine pairings: Montepulciano d'Abruzzo is a nice complement for pasta with savory sauces, cured meats and hard-textured cheeses. It is perfect with rich marbled meats because it provides both rich fruity notes together with zesty acids to balance all the fat. Its sometimes rustic character pairs very well with earthy soups. Possibly the best match for this wine is lamb. |
