Montepulciano

Modern and with a fresh berry aroma, the Rosato from the Montepulciano grape of Villa Medoro presents itself. The colour is bright and the taste is nicely drinkable - an all-round relaxed pleasure. SUPERIORE.DE

Montipagano is a pleasant, single-varietal Montepulciano from organic cultivation. Strong ruby violet, great aroma of blackberry and lilac with earthy tones. Beautiful fruit and structure on the palate. SUPERIORE.DE

The rugged, red-tinged rocky landscape of Ripe in the immediate vicinity of the vineyards gave its name to the Riparosso. Its intense bouquet of delicately fresh character is beguiling, the velvety and mild taste absolutely seductive. SUPERIORE.DE

Clear pink colour with strong reflections. Fresh cherry bouquet, characteristic and with floral notes. Dry and fruity on the palate, with aromas of sour cherries, raspberries and wild strawberries, plus the typical very light almond tone on the finish. A very harmonious rosé with a fresh and powerful structure that lingers beautifully and is a pleasure to drink. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, intense raspberry pink. In the nose of watermelon, cherry juice and a hint of blood oranges, light pomegranate in the aftertaste. On the palate clear and with delicate fruit melting, spreads freshly over the tongue, compact and slightly salty, fine length." Falstaff

"The 2020 Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo charms with a delicate display of wild strawberries, nuanced florals and hints of stone dust. It's a vibrant and juicy effort that fleshes out across the palate with mineral-tinged fruits and savory spice. A buzz of residual acids lingers, forcing the mouth to water, as this tapers off to hard red candies and inner rose tones. The 2020 La Valentina is a spirited Cerasuolo for poolside sipping." Vinous

Deep red colour, fascinating complex aroma spectrum on the nose. Dominated by the ripe berry scent, with hints of plums and tobacco. Powerful and intense on the palate, rich in extract, with juicy soft tannins. SUPERIORE.DE

"Well-meshed aromas of wet tobacco, menthol and dark cherry drive the dense nose, with an energetic lift from peppery thyme. Grippy red plum skin and cherry notes are fleshed out by juicy waves of acidity on the midpalate. Come the finish, everything cinches up into a neat package." Wine Enthusiast

"Some balance of fruit and oak to this riserva. Medium-bodied with fine oak and fruit tannins that are melded together. Could do with more fruit mid-palate. A little two-dimensional, but structurally sound and a decent." James Suckling

A splendid Montepulciano Rosato from Abruzzo with a rosé colour typical for the white vinification of red grapes. Harmonious, fine and elegant on the palate. A light, fresh and very balanced wine. SUPERIORE.DE

This Montepulciano d'Abruzzo fascinates with its flattering bouquet of wild berries and balsamic notes. On the palate, notes of dark berries, dense and soft, juicy tannins and a fine hint of cocoa. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2018 Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Jorio takes its time opening up in the glass. At first the wine is smoky with peppery florals and hints of camphor. Patience is rewarded, as this deepens with shades of violet, giving way to crushed blackberry and hints of spiced citrus. It's silky yet lifted in feel, with juicy acids and soothingly ripe red and black fruits. This closes incredibly fresh with a flourish of pretty inner florals and hints of licorice. The 2018 Jorio really captures the energy of the vintage and is a pleasure to taste." Vinous

"Aromas of ripe plum, sour cherry, licorice, oregano and oyster shell. It's medium-bodied with fine-grained tannins. Juicy, flavorful and fresh." James Suckling

The Gianni Masciarelli line is intended to embody the typicality of the region, and so this Rosato is powerful and full-bodied, as you would expect from the grape variety and terroir. Intense cherry pink. Delicately fruity-spicy aroma, robust on the palate with plenty of structure. Finishes with a fine minerality and berry fruit. SUPERIORE.DE

"Red-cherry color with aromas of ripe raspberries and rose petals that follow though to a medium-bodied palate with bright red fruit and a fresh vein of acidity." James Suckling

Ripe red fruits in the bouquet, the taste soft and supple, juicy and nicely structured. Very enjoyable wine for every day. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2018 Rosso Piancarda is intensely spiced and perfumed, as medicinal cherries and raspberries are complemented by dusty rose and sweet cedar. On the palate the Piancarda takes a turn toward the savory spectrum. Salty and full of zesty minerality, the 2018 shows sapid red fruits, hints of plum and brisk acids that keeps the expression fresh. Grippy tannins linger through the finale, as hints of sour citrus and tart berries slowly taper off." Vinous

Pure-varietal Rosato made from Montepulciano grapes: strong bright cherry-pink, fresh fruity, floral scent, notes of red berries and a hint of citrus and blood orange. Supple, juicy and full-bodied on the palate. SUPERIORE.DE

"Opening to a dark ruby color with raspberry pink highlights, the Masciarelli 2020 Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo Superiore Villa Gemma is fresh and lively with plenty of wild berry, cherry and rose-like aromas. The wine flaunts a youthful primary intensity, with fresh acidity, which makes it a simple joy to drink, especially if a plate of fried olives or mozzarella fritters is on the table. There's plenty of fresh acidity to bring out the flavors in those fun finger foods." Robert Parker

"The wickedly fresh 2020 Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo Villa Gemma leads with dusty red florals, dried strawberries and sweet white smoke. It fills the palate with fleshy textures contrasted by zesty acids and spice. Tart cherry and hints of blueberry collect toward the close, along with hints of round tannin. This is persistent and lightly structured, yet it still buzzes with energy, making the 2020 an excellent option for drinking now or through short-term cellaring. Nicely done." Vinous

"Light red-cherry color with aromas of strawberries and raspberries, as well as a touch of red peach. Medium-bodied with a good core of red-fruit flavor and clean acidity pushing it along. Super-clean, refreshing and delicious." James Suckling

Ramitello impresses with an immense bouquet of intense red fruit aromas and delicate balsamic notes. The taste is warm and full, with rich fruity tones spiced with hints of tobacco and liquorice. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2016 Ramitello blends 85% Montepulciano to 15% Aglianico to create a dark, floral and alluring bouquet. A dusting of crushed violets, blackberries, vanilla bean and hints of animal musk waft up from the glass. It's velvety in texture yet lifted in feel, while leaning toward the savory spectrum with its concentrated mix of tart wild berries and salty minerals. Brisk acids maintain energy even as fine tannins slowly mount, all under a lasting air of black licorice and hints of tar. This is nicely done and a fantastic value." Vinous

Rosso del Duca is a very classic Montepulciano d'Abruzzo. Powerful aroma of blueberries, cherries and cocoa, straightforward and tireless on the palate. SUPERIORE.DE

Deep dark red, complex, almost beguiling aroma reminiscent of full, ripe raspberries and strawberries; finest spice, creamy, chocolaty, very haunting. On the palate soft, incredibly dense and opulent. SUPERIORE.DE

Rich, full and typical of the variety, Spelt Rosato has an intense aroma and a fruity, dry taste, a slender acid wire and a clear, full-bodied final. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2019 La Valentina Spelt leads off with a mineral-intense and perfumed bouquet, as notes of bright cherry and white smoke fill the senses. It floods the palate with silky textures, further complemented by a mix of red and blue berry fruits with a stunning mix of vibrant acids and hints of tannin. The finish is long, teeming with energy, and buzzing with zesty spices and a slight herbal twang." Vinous

Deep dark Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Riserva with a beguiling aroma of dark red cherries and berry fruits, plus earthy notes, tar, spices and liquorice. "A mouthful of wine" in an incredibly appealing style. Spelt has remarkable concentration and excellent length. SUPERIORE.DE

"In 1994, the Di Properzio brothers founded this vineyard in the hinterland of Pescara and focus on terroir wines in the vineyards - like the Spelt: Smells of stone fruit, violets and blackcurrants; balanced in the mouth, the robust tannins contribute to the polish, shows elegance until the spicy-fruity final." Vinum

"Bright, luminous ruby garnet. In the nose of ripe forest berries and raspberries, elegant fruit, delicate spice, in the aftertaste of bread crust and light leather. Juicy and clear on the palate, spreads elegantly, crisp fruit with tightly woven tannin, seems very young, but again juicy and slightly salty in the finish, good and secure ageing potential." Falstaff

"Moderately saturated ruby. Ink, smoke, plum and red berries dominate the inviting nose. Then youthfully chewy but fine-grained, boasting long, clean, savory flavors that bring the aromas to mind. This strapping Montepulciano is relatively light on its feet." Vinous

"Bright lemons and oranges highlight raspberry and strawberry overtones. The medium-bodied palate is finely wound up in tightly buttoned tannins and driven along by vertical acidity and umami undertones." James Suckling

The Conero Riserva Grosso Agontano rises from the glass dark, floral and earthy, with notes of undergrowth and tobacco that fade into blackberries and gravel. Its velvety texture leads to a sophisticated presentation of red and black fruits underpinned by cool herbal notes, while the fine tannins slowly saturate towards the end. The finish is long, youthfully structured and with a pleasant inner sweetness, while nuances of tangerine and sour cherry linger under a hint of violet blossom. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dusty violets, roses, incense wild herbs and wet stone lift up to form a perfumed display as the 2018 Conero Riserva Grosso Agontano blossoms in the glass. The Agontano is silky and refined, contrasting ripe red berries and sweet spice with saline-mineral tones and brisk acidity. This leaves the palate with a coating of fine tannins, yet it remains energetic, savory and almost salty in character, with a hint of black licorice that lingers long. The 2018 Agontano will only require minimal cellaring to show well, and, although quite balanced and pretty, it should be enjoyed sooner rather than later." Vinous

Medoro's famous top plant Montepulciano Adrano, which is elegant and typical of the variety, spreads a fine fruity aroma. The taste is led by a rich fruit, which is perfectly embedded in a full, deliciously spicy structure. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Villa Medoro 2015 Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Colline Teramane Adrano shows a classic aromatic profile with dark fruit tones followed by leather and mild tobacco. This wine ages in oak for 12 months, and the impact of that wood emerges mostly in terms of the rich and slightly dense texture of the mouthfeel. Those contrasts between dark fruit and oak spice are nicely played, and they are perfectly suited to a rib-eye steak." Robert Parker

Deep dark ruby red. Full, deep and explosive bouquet reminiscent of dark berries, tobacco and liquorice. Illuminati's single-vineyard classic Zanna, with its elegant, very complex taste and delicate oak spice, leaves nothing to be desired every year. SUPERIORE.DE

"Rich red and black berries with hints of sea shells, dried herbs and a touch of balsamic. Medium-to full-bodied with a relaxed palate, where the firm, fine and polished tannins bring out a drier aspect of the fruit. This needs another year to meld together better. Try from 2023." James Suckling

Powerful, concentrated Montepulciano with elegant wood notes and multi-layered fruit aromas, true to the terroir and modern. Impressive richness that offers further palate pleasures with every sip. Equally impressive is the long and complex finish. One of the greatest Montepulciano of the region every year. SUPERIORE.DE

"Rich, dark shining garnet. In the nose of rich, noble cherries, intense fragrance, rich bouquet with dried rose petal, ripe raspberry, forest fruits, undergrowth. Full and clear on the palate with great structure, taut with ripe red fruit, punchy, already harmonious, with persistence." Falstaff

"Aromas of brandy-soaked dark cherry, anise, allspice and chopped mint show depth, concentration and purity in this Montepulciano that sees time in French oak. It's rich in feel on the palate, but counterbalanced by a bright core of acidity that pushes along the dense berry and spice flavors. There's a polish to it all that makes it accessible in the near term, but it would also hold well through 2028." Wine Enthusiast

"Complex aromas of crushed black fruit, dried lemon peel, kalonji seeds and more if you linger. Full-bodied palate, where the intense fruit coats the medium-grain tannins on the center-palate and continues to push through the wall as the tannins firm up towards the end. The finish is already long and fruity and will only lengthen as the wine matures in bottle. Super quality here. Try from 2024." James Suckling

This Montepulciano d'Abruzzo is one of the best we have ever tasted. Concentrated ruby red in colour, the nose and taste are characterised by a dreamlike balance between fruit components and oak spice. A compact, elegant wine with a rich finish. Perfect! SUPERIORE.DE

"Ciccio Zaccagnini cultivates the Montepulciano grape in the vineyards of Bolognano in the province of Pescara in various interpretations. The flagship wine of the estate is this Riserva: a bouquet of pickled stone fruit, herbs and sandalwood; a crisp attack, incisive acidity, well balanced with the fine-grained tannins, showing fullness and yet also elegance." Vinum

Binomio Riserva presents itself as a courageous and very successful experiment of Fattoria La Valentina in collaboration with Azienda Agricola Inama. A fine selection of Montepulciano grapes from vineyards up to 400m above sea level, matured in barriques, performs the balancing act between tradition, faithfulness to type and modernity. The bouquet is complex and smoky with appetising sour cherry aromas, the taste is powerful and elegant, which tolerates the concentrated tannins and the appropriate alcohol component well. SUPERIORE.DE

Ramitello impresses with an immense bouquet of intense red fruit aromas and delicate balsamic notes. The taste is warm and full, with rich fruity tones spiced with hints of tobacco and liquorice. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2016 Ramitello blends 85% Montepulciano to 15% Aglianico to create a dark, floral and alluring bouquet. A dusting of crushed violets, blackberries, vanilla bean and hints of animal musk waft up from the glass. It's velvety in texture yet lifted in feel, while leaning toward the savory spectrum with its concentrated mix of tart wild berries and salty minerals. Brisk acids maintain energy even as fine tannins slowly mount, all under a lasting air of black licorice and hints of tar. This is nicely done and a fantastic value." Vinous

Dense, deep red, in the nose forest fruits, ripe red berries and sweet-spicy notes. On the palate elegant, soft, almost creamy, rich, with fine tannin, pronounced body and an optimal balance between alcoholic potency, freshness and fruit and with a furious finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2016 Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Riserva Bellovedere is dark yet elegant, with an inviting bouquet of blackberries, crushed violets, exotic spice and hints of camphor. This is silky in texture with a savory, almost-salty display of wild berries and minerals, all balanced by brisk acids. You can hardly feel its fine-grained tannins settling in until the very end, as the palate aches under the Bellovedere's youthful structure, with echoes of licorice and black fruits lingering long. That said, the balance here is on point, and all the 2016 needs is a few more years of cellaring to really shine." Vinous

"Aromas of dark fruit, mushrooms, flowers and spices. It's full-bodied with chewy tannins. Chalky texture in the mouth. Juicy and spicy. Flavorful finish with some length." James Suckling

"Lovely nose, fragrant with a great purity, showing notes of dark cherries, cinnamon and hints of tobacco with leathery undertones. Very elegant and complex palate." Decanter