Piandimare Monolith Montepulciano d'Abruzzo 2017

Abruzzo is an overwhelmingly mountainous region in central Italy on the coast of the Adriatic Sea. The primary red grape is montepulciano (not to be confused with Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, which is made from sangiovese). 

Piandimare produces several different montepulciano, with this one being essentially their reserve wine. The reserve designation refers to more rigorous fruit selection and a full 12 months of ageing in oak. The wine is a deep ruby colour, with a nose of intense cherry and licorice. On the palate, these flavours persist and are joined by vanilla and tobacco leaf. The finish is rich and elegant with fine-grained tannin to support the fruit weight. As the name ‘Monolith’ suggests, this serves as a monument to one of Italy’s most famous wine styles.