Wine of the Month – January 2023 – Valle Martello Montepucliano d’Abruzzo 2020
The holiday season has ended, the festivities are over, presents returned (lol), and the kids are back to school. We turn to New Year’s resolutions, dieting, dry January (to be fair we’re not big fans), new gym memberships and financial diets. Let’s get 2023 off to a good start!
Central Italy is most famous for Tuscany and all the wines it brings to the market; Chianti, Brunello di Montalcino, Super Tuscan, and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano (name of the town) to name a few. That last one commonly confuses people with a wine called Montepulciano (name of the grape) d’Abruzzo; which also happens to be our wine of the month. The Masci family has been cultivating grape vines for nearly 70 years in the mountains west of the Adriatic Sea and are pioneers in establishing the new Villamagna DOC appellation. We were thrilled to be visited by Katia Masci who charmed us with family stories of passion, hard work and of course wine. The Valle Martello Montepulciano d’Abruzzo 2020 is a classic “table” red from Abruzzo. Immediately you will notice the deep, dark hue similar to purple ink, which is characteristic of Montepulciano due to, among other things the sun-soaked hillsides its growing season enjoys. That sun aids the expressive flavor extraction and at first whiff you’ll be hooked! A nose of sour cherry, plum, oregano and earth are balanced with a full and lush palate; controlled by the supple tannins and dry mouthfeel. Pile the meatballs high from the Sunday gravy with this one! A perfect way to start the year!
$15.00 bottle