Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, 2009 Cantine Talamonti DOC

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, 2007 Gran Sasso DOCG

Here is a household name and quite rightly a very popular wine for all occasions. This is a marvellous wine from the Abruzzo region of east, central Italy. Having established the origin of this wine, it is important not to confuse it with another fine wine, the Tuscan Vino Nobile di Montepulciano made predominantly from Sangiovese grapes. Our featured wine is made from the Montepulciano grape. All Montepulciano wines must (to obtain DOC status) have a minimum alcohol level of 12% and be made with at least 85% of this grape, with a further 15% allowed from the Sangiovese grape.

Within the Montepulciano d’Abruzzo DOC region is a significantly smaller area, in the province of Teramo where an even finer wine is produced that was accorded the DOCG status in 2003. One might term this as the “jewel in the crown” and the Colline Teramane is located between the high peaks of the Gran Sasso national park and the Adriatic coast. This wine needs to be made with a minimum of 90% Montepulciano grapes and up to 10% of Sangiovese.

So, what is this popular wine all about and does it have a distinctive taste? I must say that I enjoy both the widely available DOC and the “special one” as much and prefer to drink them at room temperature a long with food. There is no doubt that there is an earthy taste accompanied with lots of blackberries and light tannins. It is generally enjoyed as a young wine, but will benefit from aging.

I will recommend two versions of this delightful wine, both available from Valvona and Crolla:  www.valvonacrolla.co.uk

2009 Cantine Talamonti DOC £8.99

2007 Gran Sasso DOCG £16.95, a splendid, full-bodied wine with forest fruits, vanilla and spices

I love this wine with fine Italian cheeses, Pasta dishes or one of the ultimate comfort foods, Pizza!