As I sample various wines, the sight of the wine in the glass can tell me a lot about the wine even before I smell or taste it. The sight of the wine can possibly help to determine aromas, flavors, the weight of the wine, and at times the grape variety, and even the origin of the wine. However, the Montepulciano grape variety is one that throws me off. The color of this variety in the glass is a deep, dark purple color which should indicate a big, full-bodied wine. However, that’s not the case with this grape variety. The I Vasari Montepulciano has that deep dark color to it, but it is a medium-bodied wine with light tannins. The aromas of this wine are of black currants, cherries, blackberries, anise, cinnamon, herbs, and dirt. The flavors definitely follow a wine from the old world, and is not as fruit-forward as the aromas would lead us to think. The flavors are of cherries, cinnamon, marjoram, basil,  cigar leaves, dirt, and forest floor. I found this wine to be very approachable and easy to drink, and I paired it with pan-seared elk prepared with herbs and garlic. The food and wine pairing was fantastic, this is a very good Montepulciano d’Abruzzo.

Jon

My wife and I were at an Italian restaurant recently to celebrate her birthday. We began our four course dinner with a bottle of Prosecco, followed by a Pinot Grigio, and capped off the evening with a bottle of 2008 Avignonesi Vino Nobile di Montepulciano with the entree. The Montepulciano was a delightful medium-bodied wine, and we paired it with eggplant Parmesian and breaded veal served with a balsamic reduction. The wine complimented our entrees wonderfully. The color of the wine was garnet with a touch of red brick on the rim, and on the nose this wine displayed aromas of cherries, red berries, a hint of floral, spice and black pepper. The flavor profile was of tart cherries, raspberries, anise, cloves and black pepper. This was a medium-bodied Montepulciano, with nice layers and medium tannins. The primary grape variety used in the production of this Montepulciano is Prognolo Gentile, a clone variation of Sangiovese.

Jon

I have to admit that I have an affinity to Italian wines, and I am always up to sampling various wines from the many wine regions of Italy. I have had the opportunity to try many Montepulcino wines from the Abruzzo region, but never the Barba Colle Morino. Montepulciano d’ Abruzzo wines are produced using the Montepulcino grape variety, which is different than the Vino Nobile di Montepulcino named after a town in Tuscany which is produced predominately with  Sangiovese.
The 2005 Barba Colle Morino offered a nice purple color in the glass, with a slight rim variation of red brick. The aromas and flavors associated with this wine are of cherries, plums, prunes, smoke, and a sight hint of almonds on the finish. This Montepulciano d’ Abruzzo is a full-bodied wine, with nice layers, medium tannins, and a medium finish.  If you can find this wine, I would recommend buying it, and the price is right at approximately $12 per bottle.

Jon

This deep ruby colored Montepulciano coming out of the Abruzzi region of Italy is a complex, richly intense, balanced wine. Produced from grapes that are organically grown, this wine lives up to what I expect from a Montepulciano d’Abruzzo. On the nose black cherries are present, along with currants, blackberries, and a hint of spice. On the palate it does not disappoint, with the balance of fruit, and the earthiness that one expects from an old world wine. This wine finishes well, with medium tannins, and a fruit finish. A very nice, easy drinking wine that would pair well with pasta or pizza.

Jon