Montepulciano d’Abruzzo is often thought of as a table wine. Something that is not sophisticated and meant for casual drinking. Because of that fact it is sometimes not given the attention it deserves in production resulting in a less enjoyable product.
This isn’t the case with all Montepulciano d’Abruzzo. In fact there are some very interesting and enjoyable bottles out there and I hope to highlight them in this series. This was not one of those exceptional bottles.
Low alcohol content and overall lack of concentration make this a mild, subtle wine. The dominant feature on the nose is tobacco. It’s hard to find anything beyond that, except maybe a hint of plum. The palate is plums and spice. It has surprising heat for the alcohol level, but it’s an acidic heat. Too acidic in my opinion. The finish is quick. I can’t recommend this one and it only got a 69.
Wine: Stella Italia
Varietal: Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
Vintage: 2004
Alcohol: 12%
Rating: 69
Price Paid: $7.99
I just found a bottle of this hiding in the back of the cellar. I don’t know how it got there, but I can honestly say that it seems to have matured from the above description and is easily a high 80’s rating at this point. Nothing spectacular, but far from a 69.