Montepulciano

There is a wide range in style and quality for MdA's.  This is one of the better ones that is still affordable.  This took about thirty minutes to really open but then drank quite well.  Deep ruby in color.  The nose has cherries and plums with some clove notes.  Medium bodied.  On the palate, cherries, slight sour cherries with a strong backbone of acidity.  There is some depth and complexity though not a lot.  It begs for food and worked with a lasagna in bechamel sauce though perhaps a tomato sauce would work better.  It drinks ok on its own although the acidity stands out.  It probably

Citra is a collection of farmers in Abruzzo who got together to form a winery.  They make a variety of wines that are inexpensive yet enjoyable.  This is screw capped.  It has a deep garnet color.  The nose has cherries, candied cherries, smoke and a bit of spice.  On the palate, it's more cherries and sour cherries with some spice.  Good acidity.  Nice finish.  An easy drinking wine that is priced well.  Made to drink now.  Will work well with pizza, pasta or burgers. 

This is a really interesting wine that sells for $15.  It is 80% Montepulciano and 20% Aglianico.  The 2012 is what seems to be in the stores in the US right now and it is drinking great.  Purple in color with ruby swirls.  The nose has black cherries, smoke and plums.  On the palate, there is a nice underlying minerality with nice black cherry fruit.  Good acidity.  This worked well with pasta but drinks fine on its own, the acidity is not as much as many Italian wines.  Good finish.  Probably has another 3 to 5 years left.  Maybe more.  

This is under $10 per bottle so it is a fair value.  Purple in color.  The nose has dark cherries and slight hay notes.  On the palate, this is a bit sweet with black cherry fruit.  Easy drinking.  Enough acidity to work with food.  Clean.  Nice for a party or Italian bistro.  Casual fun.  

Purple in color.  Ruby at the rim.  THe nose is pretty tight.  A bit of plums and spice.  On the palate, this is soft and easy drinking.  Black cherries.  One dimenstional.  $17.  

This is a step up from most MdA's.  Very good.  it is ripe and there is a slight ripe/sweetness to it.  It is delicious.  Purple in color.  The nose has plums and sandalwood.  On the palate, ripe plums and dark cherries.  Enough acidity.  Good finish.  At $30, it is pricier, but worth it.  At 8 years from vintage, it seems to be just closing in on peak but not quite.  

Ruby/purple in color.  The nose has plums and spice.  Tannic.  Plums on the palate.  The finish is nice but there is some char on it.  Good acidity.  A nice MdA.