Tasting Notes – Terra d Aligi Tatone Montepulciano d’Abruzzo 2016

 

Wine: grape variety is Montepulciano

Grape: thick-skinned, dark grape, indigenous to the Abruzzo region in central Italy, not from the Montepulciano region , second most widely planted grape in Italy; often confused with the DOCG wine Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, which is made primarily of Sangiovese grapes in the town Montepulciano, Tuscany – Montepulciano grapes are not grown in the town of Montepulciano

Color: deep red almost purple

Aromas: brandy-dipped cherries, blackberries, tobacco, anise, and cardamom

Flavors: dark berry, plum, spices, boysenberry, blackberry and prune, licorice, and oaky flavors of cocoa, vanilla, and mocha

Body: Medium +

Alcohol: 14%

Acid: Medium +

Sweetness: Dry

Tannins: High

Balance: Overall balance is fine, but a little more acidity would help this wine have a fresher tone

Serving Tips: 65º to 68º F, in a red wine glass, decant 60 minutes Aging: can age up to 15 years Food Pairings: pizza, bolognese , pastas with red sauce, red meats on the grill, goat and rack of lamb

Winery Notes: The word “Tatone” means grandfather in Italian. The vineyard where the wines are grown is in the valley named Val de Sangro. Historically, this area was a sheep herding area. The vineyards exist between the Adriatic Sea and the mountains where the climate and terrain are ideal for cultivating wine grapes. This area has been a significant ​region for the cultivation of grapes due the air currents and temperature fluctuations along with the clay-limestone soil.