Vasari Montepulciano d’Abruzzo from Fratelli Barba

If you took a peek into my wine cellar you’d quickly figure out that I have a thing for Italian red wine.  Yes, I like plenty of wines from other regions too but the red wines that have the balance and style that I prefer are often Italian.  The bad part of that, however, is that Italian wines are also often rather pricey—and that doesn’t jive with a bargain hunter like me.  But if you move away from the best-known wine regions in Italy and get to some of the smaller regions you can find some great values, and Montepulciano d’Abruzzo is surprisingly one of my favorites.

As you probably figured out from the name, Montepulciano d’Abruzzo is made from the montepulciano grape and is from the Abruzzo region.  It’s typically a fruity wine with soft tannins and soft acidity, and that’s why I say that it’s surprising that this is a favorite of mine.  I typically like Italian red wines for their vibrant acidity and firm tannins, but this variety is an exception to that rule.  I guess it all comes down to balance and I’ve been fortunate to find some Montepulciano d’Abruzzo with good balance and great prices.

With low acidity and tannins, these wines are meant to be consumed young.  So don’t tuck this bottle away in the cellar, just enjoy it.

This particular wine comes from Fratelli Barba, in the northern part of Abbruzzo.

The nose is very pleasant, offering plum, vanilla and floral aromas.  The aromas are slightly sweet, but the floral aspect is fabulous!  The palate has a medium body, with lots of fresh fruit flavors such as plum and blueberry.  There’s a touch of spice to it, but I wouldn’t call it a “spicy” wine.  It’s very approachable, very food friendly but also great for just sipping.  It has moderate tannins that add a little silkiness to the mouthfeel.  It finishes relatively long, with lingering plum flavors.

Wine: Vasari
Variety: Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
Vintage: 2010
Alcohol: 13%
Rating: 87
Price: $10.00

Find Vasari Montepulciano d’Abruzzo with Snooth

Disclosure: This wine was received as a media sample.