Ciao Tutti!
This weekend we will taste the Montepulciano D’Abruzzo DOC ($21.99, 13% ABV) from the Valle Reale winery in Popoli, Abruzzo. Being an architect, I am always intrigued when a wine label features a building with an interesting story.
Benedictine monks designed and used the medieval building shown on the label, named Sant’Angelo Extra Muros, as a wine cellar that was fed by gravity. Being clever engineers, they created a three-level system; the grapes were unloaded from the mountain path into the upper level for pressing, the must was collected on the middle level and the racking occurred on the lower level, that was constructed of tall stone arches. Carved into the rock was a twenty meter natural cellar with constant temperature for the wines’ aging. I was very pleased to learn that restoration of this 12th century building began last year.
36% of Abruzzo’s land area contains three national parks; a regional park and more than thirty nature preserves that creates breathtaking scenery and makes Abruzzo the greenest region of Europe. Valle Reale’s site is located at the point where the three national parks intersect. In 1998, the Pizzolo family of farmers discovered an old vineyard of Montepulciano D’Abruzzo grapes on their property and this farming family turned to nurturing the indigenous red grape of Abruzzo. Valle Reale is a farm with both vineyards and vegetable gardens and the vineyards are nestled against the lower slopes of the surrounding mountains.
Leonardo Pizzolo is the founder and owner of Valle Reale and he works closely with the oenologist and winemaker. In addition to Montepulciano D’Abruzzo, their portfolio includes three other red wines, one Trebbiano D’Abruzzo and one Cerasuolo D’Abruzzo. The trio is committed to the vineyards’ biodynamic cultivation over their 52 hectares of vineyards tended by their team of dedicated workers.
I love the Montepulciano grape for its medium body, blackberry and red plum flavors, good acidity and a pleasant finish. Valle Reale’s Montepulciano is made from both the Montepulciano and Montepulciano based blends. I especially like it with Piazza’s meatballs in tomato sauce, eggplant lasagna or mushroom risotto. Many customers have been drawn to the “NEW” sign I posted for it and told me how much they liked this wine. Come join me Friday from noon to 5:45 or Saturday from noon to 4:45 to find out for yourself.
Cin Cin!
Jenn
The post Wine of the Week: Valle Reale Montepulciano D’Abruzzo appeared first on Talbot Spy.
