2018 I Lauri Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Riserva 'Le Pinciale', Abruzzo, Italy (750ml)
About the Icons
Montepulciano is the source of considerable confusion in that it is the name of a grape variety, as used here, but is also the name of a small town in Tuscany. The wines from that Tuscan appellation are known as Vino Nobile de Montepulciano, but they are not made from Montepulciano. The dominant variety is instead Prugnolo Gentile, a variation on Sangiovese. Dizzy yet? If not, have a little more wine ;>)! This is a hearty red from Abruzzo, one of Italy's most beautiful regions, but one that deserves to be explored.
Producer notes - "The name of this wine stems from the ancient form of construction typical in pastoral communities of Abruzzo. The vineyard extends for 4 hectares at an altitude of 300 meters above sea level and is vinified separately in outstanding vintages in order to maintain its exceptional characteristics. This single-vineyard Montepulciano d’Abruzzo is vinified in stainless steel vats and then aged in small French oak barrels for 12 months. Subsequently, the wine bottle rests at least 12 months to reach its optimum balance.“Tavo” is an Italian river that flows in Abruzzo. It originates on the Gran Sasso, and flows towards the Adriatic Sea. The river basin, home to Italy’s first DOP classified extra-virgin olive oil, numerous DOP agricultural products, and some of Italy’s most acclaimed wines, has always been recognized for its extraordinary terroir. According to Greek and Roman historians, 2.000 years ago, one of the greatest leaders in history, Hannibal, stopped with his army of 220,000 men to regenerate and enjoy the climate and the fruits of those lands."