The Abruzzo wine region in Italy with over 65% of the region being mountainous. The Apennines peaks actually reach up to 9000 feet above sea level. The region lies between the foothills of the Apennines to the Adriatic Coast. The vineyards on the hillside are planted on calcareous clay that benefits from significant sun exposure that is ventilated thanks to the dry breezes from the Adriatic. All four provinces produce Montepulciano, Chieti, L’Aquila, Pescara, and Teramo. The southern province, Chieti, produces the largest quantity of wine. L’Aquila, which is the most mountainous province, produces a dry rose, which is labeled Cerasuolo. The most favored vineyards are in Pescara and Teramo, which is located in the north. These two provinces have more ferrous clay and limestone and are less fertile. The cooler climates produce the most concentrated wines. There were about 18,000 acres of wine vineyards in 2004.
The wine of Abruzzo is often a deep colored red with spice and pepper notes, and can be described as rustic. These wines are highly aromatic with an almost syrupy, thick mouth feel.
In the late 20th and early 21st century, Abruzzo earned the reputation of having the most exported wines in Italy.
Cortenova Montepulciano d' Abruzzo is made from 100% Montepulciano d'Abruzzo
Deep ruby red color with violet highlights and a pleasant and fruity bouquet. Full bodied, soft tannins and good acidity.
Excellent with pasta dishes and red meats.
Cortenova Montepulciano d' Abruzzo is made from 100% Montepulciano d'Abruzzo
Deep ruby red color with violet highlights and a pleasant and fruity bouquet. Full bodied, soft tannins and good acidity.
Excellent with pasta dishes and red meats.
All older vintage wines have been purchased from a single collectors cellar. Pictures can be requested before shipment.
A deep powerful Gran Reserva from one of Rioja Alavesa’s most enduring family run wineries. The hillside terraced vineyards are sheltered by the Sierra Cantabria Mountains to the north from harsh weather extremes. Small plot production is utilized in this region of infertile chalky clay soil to produce clusters of excellent quality. Almost 900 plots are needed to complete the approximately 400 hectares of estate-owned or cellar-controlled vineyards, some with vines more than 100 years in age.
Tasting notes
Ruby red color with earthy tones. The wine shows finesse, elegance and complexity with good concentration of black fruit, thyme and rosemary with secondary aromas of leather and tobacco leaves. In the palate it is polished and rounded, making it pleasant and easy to drink. Fleshy with both elegance and power. It has touches of black fruit jam and liquorice. A long, delicious and persistent finish.
Suitable for pairing with a long, copious meal where it can accommodate braised vegetables, cold cuts, peppers stuffed with hake and shrimp, mushroom omelettes, cod Rioja style, both red and white meat... and so on.