|
|
 |
Montepulciano d'Abruzzo
|
Classification: DOC (Denominazione di Origine Controllata - Quality Wines Produced in a Specific Region)
Color: ruby red with purplish reflections
Production zone: Abruzzo
Minimum alcohol content: 11.5%
Varieties used: Montepulciano (85-100%), other varieties (Sangiovese) up to a maximum of 15% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
PROPOSING A TOAST IN CENTRAL ITALY |
|
|
It is perhaps best to set one thing straight right away: Montepulciano d'Abruzzo is in no way linked to the Vino nobile di Montepulciano. It merely takes its name from the Montepulciano variety but has nothing to do with the other wine.
Having cleared up a minor detail that occasionally leads to confusion, let's look at this jewel of central Italian viticulture, available also in the Cerasuolo type, whose color, as the Italian name cerasa (cherry) suggests, is cherry red.
Montepulciano d'Abruzzo on the other hand is a characteristic ruby red in color, with pleasant purplish reflections. Slightly tannic, it has a dry palate and generally a vinous nose.
The variety from which it derives is vigorous to say the least, bearing black fruit, and is cultivated mainly in Abruzzo but also in the Marche region, where it is used in the production of Rosso Conero and Rosso Piceno.
This wine can be successfully aged for three years, should be served at a temperature of 18°C, and the bottle should be uncorked at least 30-40 minutes prior to serving The riserva type has a minimum alcohol level of 12.5% and must be aged in wooden casks for at least two years.
Its characteristics make Montepulciano d'Abruzzo the ideal accompaniment to numerous dishes of Abruzzo cuisine, such as Basilicata-style Rigatoni but it also goes well with second courses featuring meat, often lamb. When it comes to desserts, try it with scarponi a typical sweet from Sulmona, made with dried fruit and cooked must, which in order to be appreciated at its best requires suitable accompaniment.
To become better acquainted with Montepulciano d'Abruzzo and the other protagonists of local wine culture, simply sign up for one of the wine tours organized in this area; these itineraries allow you to delve deeper into the heart of this Dannunzian land in search of artistic and enogastronomic treasures that are truly one of a kind.
|
|
|
|
|
