Montepulciano d'Abruzzo DOC
Gold Medal
2008 Los Angeles International Wine and Spirits Competition
- Country: Italy
- Region: Abruzzo
- District: Chiete
- Varietals: 100% Montepulciano d'Abruzzo
- Varietals: Single vineyard and vintage
- Alcohol: 14.0%
- Aging: Minimum 12 to 14 months in French oak barrels and refined 3 months in bottle
- Bottle: 750ml
Winemaker: Tenute Borghi Agricola il Poggiale
Wine Notes:
The Gold Medal Collection of Lasorda Italian wines represents the Gold Medal that Team USA won at the 2000 Olympic Games coached by Tommy Lasorda. On the label, the Lasorda Vintage logo is a representation of Tommy's Hall of Fame ring he received in 1997 with a diamond baseball in the center.
Italian legend states that Sangiovese was first introduced to this region many centuries ago from a vine taken from the town of Montepulcinao in Tuscany. To distinguish themselves, and with a bit of Italian verve, they renamed the grape for the town that it supposedly came from.
Over the years, the Montepulciano variety was developed through selection by the growers and it displayed significant capacity for adaptation to different environments, which facilitated its spread to other territories nearby. Today, it is cultivated in all four provinces of the Abruzzo (Chieti, L'Aquila, Pescara and Teramo) at altitudes not exceeding 500 meters.
Made of 100% Montepulciano d'Abruzzo, this wine is considered "Superiore" within the region because it is not blended, unlike the traditional style blend that is more common and standard practice for winemakers using the Montepulciano d'Abruzzo grape. In parts of the Abruzzo, notably in the low hills of the northern provinces, Montepulciano becomes a red of irresistible character, full-bodied, even robust, with a capacity to age but with a supple smoothness that can make it eminently drinkable even when young.
Winemaker Notes:
From hand selected grapes to ensure the highest quality, at sight the wine is a brilliant and intense ruby red color with shades of violet. The wine has beautiful aromas of cherry and plum, complimented by cedar and spice on the nose. On the palate it is bold and very well structured with fine tannins and a clean, persistent finish.
This wine can be enjoyed young and becomes more refined for 3 to 4 years.
At its best when opened 45 minutes or longer prior to serving.
Pairing:
It's almost impossible to incorrectly pair this wine with anything, and best served with roasted or grilled meats, rotisserie chicken, and perfect with pizaa and pasta.
