Castorani Maiolica Montepulciano d'Abruzzo

A Montepulciano You’ll Flip For

Montepulciano is such an intriguing varietal with it’s gregarious if not, wild personality.  It’s range of cherry and berry fruit flavors with underpinnings of savory, spicy herb make for a richly flavored wine.  The tannins are robust and powerful with a spine of acidity, binding it all together.  Rustic for sure, but if a producer can tame the flavors of this beastly varietal … the results are fantastic. 

A newcomer to the Italian wine section, yet Castorani has been in Abruzzo for over 200 years.  What makes Castorani successful is their unique disposition.  Their seventy-five acres are nestled into the hillsides around one thousand feet above the Adriatic Sea.  High enough where the sun kissed vineyards achieve optimal ripeness yet are caressed by the ocean’s gentle breeze.  In this harmony wines of tremendous balance are crafted.  

We recently sampled the Castornai’s Maiolica Montepulciano d’Abruzzo 2018 and were floored by it’s quality to price.  The medium body displays mature red and black fruit character and deep with layers of developed earth, spice and herb.  There’s a rustic structure beautifully integrated into the rich core, making this a must have with Italian food favorites.  You can get as fancy as you’d like, but sometimes its best to keep things simple.  Like choice pasta with fresh marinara, basil & parmesan or just your favorite slice of pizza.