Montepulciano D’Abruzzo DOC

Red

Abv 13.5%

Serving Temp. 18-20 °C | Storage Temp. 13-15 °C

The Montepulciano vine originates from the Peligna Valley in central Abruzzo, southern Italy, where it has easily adapted to the environmental variations spreading to its neighbouring territories and in most of the Abruzzo region. The Carthaginian leader Hannibal had great appreciation for the wine produced in the Aprutzi (Abruzzo), he used it in fact to reinvigorate men and horses, while he kept the Romans at bay for many years,
The dispute over the paternity of the name Montepulciano has been going on for more than two centuries between the Abruzzesi and the winemakers of the town of Montepulciano, in Tuscany. The confusion was due to the similarity in some of the vines characteristics, and their ability to produce similar wines. It was later confirmed that the primitive Montepulciano from Tuscany was a clone of the Sangiovese Grosso, while the grape of the Abruzzi was a late harvest one, creating more structured wines. Montepulciano D’Abruzzo has no connection with the Nobile di Montepulciano wine (made from Sangiovese grape and named after the town of Montepulciano where it is made), but simply named like the grape variety it is produced with.

The grapes are hand picked in late October, destemmed, crushed and placed in vitrified cement vats, where the fermentation start. At the end of the fermentation, the maceration continues for another ten days and for a maximum of twenty. After racking, the ageing in steel begins and will end with at least four to six months in the bottle. The result is harmonious, and the Montepulciano La Quercia is a solid, straightforward red that opens with aromas of sour cherry and a whiff of new leather. The ripe fruity palate exhibits juicy blackberry, raspberry and a hint of anise, with soft tannins, violet hues and a sapid, full-bodied taste, best enjoyed after 4 or more years of ageing.