Tasting Notes
In normal times I visit family in Abruzzo regularly and so I have tasted many many different Montepulciano d'Abruzzo wines - especially as it's common in Italy to find in wine shops and supermarkets only wines from the local region. After so much testing of the local nectar, I am pleased to introduce this lovely example from Tenuta Ulisse, a winery run by brothers Antoino and Luigi Ulisse.
Often confused with Sangiovese, the Montepulciano grape is best known in the Montepulciano d'Abruzzo red wine DOC - and this is not to be confused with Vino Nobile di Montepulciano which is produced from Sangiovese in Tuscany. In fact the two grapes were frequently considered to be the same but it has been proved by DNA testing that that is not the case.
This is a deep-coloured red wine, a warm spicy wine tasting of cherries (not unlike Sangiovese) and black plums with liquorice and spices from the oak barriques in which it is aged for 9 to 12 months. Tannins can be high in Montepulciano d@abruzzo but here they are nicely balanced with the fruit and relatively low alcohol. A medium-bodied wine with a velvety texture.
Food Pairing
The producer say "Ideal for roasts, game, strongly flavoured dishes and mature cheese. Meditation wine."
Producer's Notes
"Ruby red with garnet reflections, intense and persistent fragrance; the bouquet is intense, fruity, persistent, with notes of dried flowers, spice, liquorice, marasca cherries. the palate is stylish, velvety, almost creamy, compact with tannic structure that blends nicely with the alcoholic component. Great structure, complex, elegant, well balanced with a long aftertaste. Opulent fruit."
