Casa Catelli Montepulciano D´Abruzzo DOC Premium Organic- Italy

Dark red color with a vibrant bouquet of licorice and roses. On the palate elegant and strong at the same time. Hints of chocolate, black cherries, prunes and leather. The finish is long and smooth. Excellent balance.

It is said that the famous Phoenician general Hannibal and his soldiers were able to resist the Roman Empire for such a long time, since the soldiers could refurbish with Montepulciano d'Abruzzo. Like most of the Italian varietals, Montepulciano d'Abruzzo was brought to Italy from Greece. It's often confused with Sangiovese, although it is a different varietal, requires different treatments in the vineyards and has different flavor profile. Part of the confusion comes from a wine called Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG that grows near the town Montepulciano (Tuscany), which is indeed a Sangiovese varietal. The Montepulciano d'Abruzzo DOC regulations require that the vineyards cannot be located at a higher elevation than 500 m (1,500 feet), the blend must be made of at least 85% Montepulciano d'Abruzzo grapes, and the yield cannot exceed 14 tons per hectare and a minimum alcohol level of 11.5%. The Montepulciano d'Abruzzo is a varietal that has a deep color, complex structure, and a balanced presence of soft tannins. It has been used in the past (and still is) as a blending grape due to its excellent color, intense fruit flavors, and structure. It stands alone as a great wine. An esteemed Rosé called Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo can also be produced from this varietal.