La Quercia Montepulciano d'Abruzzo (75cl, 13.5%)

A 100% Montepulciano red wine from Abruzzo, Italy, made by La Quercia. The vines are trained in the traditional tendone system and pruned to yield roughly two-thirds of a bottle per plant. Fermentation and six months of ageing take place entirely in stainless steel. The nose opens with mulberries and sour cherries, then topsoil, fennel, cardamom, clove and a subtle root beer undertone. The palate is juicy and fruit-forward, with dark plum, black cherry, licorice and baking spice, medium-firm tannins and assertive acidity. The finish is moderately long, with sour cherry, a faint wisp of smoke and savoury earthiness.