The second edition of Anteprima Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, which took place in Chieti earlier this month, represented an excellent chance to discover not only the previews of Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, but also the production of 49 wineries from Abruzzo. The choice of dedicating an event to this wine was determined, as explained by the organisers, by the desire of underlining the importance of a grape variety which represents 75% of the region. This is Abruzzo’s recognisable character around the world. Here are the best wines we tasted.
Montepulciano d'Abruzzo 2013, Valori
As described by Luigi Valori, who founded the winery on the hills of Sant'Omero and Controguerra in the province of Teramo in 1996, this is a classic Montepulciano given its capacity to represent the fruit. It is vinified in steel tanks, followed by one year of refining in bottle. The wine, with an intense ruby colour, has a clear aroma of red fruits, with delicate spices, a nice freshness on the palate, together with balanced tannins and structure. As of the 2012 vintage, Valori is an organic winery.
Montepulciano d'Abruzzo
Testarossa Rosso,
Pasetti
On the nose, red fruits stand out, together with spices, chocolate and tobacco; on the palate it shows good acidity, soft tannins and structure. After fermenting in steel, the maturation takes place for 16-18 months in barriques, and 6 months in bottle. This winery from Francavilla al mare, where the cellar is still located, has extended its production to Pescosansonesco, in the province of Pescara, and Capestrano, in the beautiful areas included in the Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga National Park.
Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Tommolo, Chiusa Grande
This ruby red wine has intense aromas of ripe red fruits, while on the palate again the fruits return, and finish with chocolate notes; round, alcoholic and persistent.
A winery from Nocciano, in the province of Pescara. It produces organic wines.
Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Spelt 2010, La Valentina di Spoltore
Vegetal, balsamic, spicy notes on the nose are paired with the typical fruity ones; on the palate it is pleasant, sapid, fresh, persistent and with a present, yet not invasive tannin. Elegant and enjoyable. It will soon be ready.
Montepulciano d'Abruzzo
Malandrino 2012,
Cataldi Madonna
The maturation does not include the use of barriques, but it partly takes place in steel tanks and partly in old, renovated, cement tanks owned by the winery. On the nose the red fruits stand out together with chocolate, slightly spicy notes; on the palate one can perceive the great minerality, the gentle tannins and a nice freshness. Elegant and enjoyable. In evolution.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo Mazzamurello 2010, Torre dei Beati
On the nose it bestows intense aromas of red fruits together with spicy and balsamic scents; on the palate it is round and velvety, with a good freshness and sapidity, persistent, fine and very pleasant. Since 1999 the winery cultivates all its 13 hectares of vineyards following organic regulations.
