Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Part 2

Let's be candid...Montepulciano d'Abruzzo's popularity relies on the very easy drinking satisfaction it offers. Softer and more accessible than Chianti and even more so when contrasted with the great Nebbiolos, Montepulciano d'Abruzzo actually compares nicely with the Barberas of Asti as opposed to the Barberas of Alba which are more ambitious but less appreciated. Less is, in fact, more here also.

Most Montepulciano d'Abruzzo is light to medium bodied, soft, dry and intended to be drunk young. This version receives a mere five months of barrel age before release. If classified as a reserve wine it would receive six months to two years in oak and the word "vecchio" (aged) may appear on the label. Typically Montepulciano wine is low in acid, purple in color, with fruit flavors of black currant, blackberry, and raspberry and notes of licorice, pepper, and spice. The tannins in most Montepulciano are sweet and mild although they may be more pronouced when the Montepulciano is made in a rustic style with typical Italian earthiness and more aggressive flavors. With any style the minimum alcohol content is 12%.

As mentioned earlier, Abruzzo is populated by farmers of modest means and the large, plump, and prolific Montepulciano grape has proven to be a perfect match for the environment. The soil is a low acid, calcareous clay and limestone in a sunny clime perforated with dry ocean breezes from the Adriatic Sea. Recent investment in the less fertile Chieti and Pescara provinces seem to have directed Montepuliano lovers' attention away from Colline Teramo, Abruzzo's legislated DOCG region, to what may prove to be a better terroir. While there are elite producers in Abruzzo that command excessive prices for their product, most wine lovers believe Montepulciano is not one for cellaring. It is believed to "hold" but not improve with age.

This Friday from 5 to 7pm we will taste the Zaccagnini Montepulciano d'Abruzzo here at the store. This label is one of the better producers available in this market and will be presented to us by the Savannah Distributing Company representative, Alan Faulkner. Please join us.