Winemakers of many countries will tell you that the bestthe drink is obtained from berries, the vines of which grew in the region from time immemorial. Of course, in the modern world there was a fashion for French varieties: Merlot, Chardonnay, Cabernet and Sauvignon. But we will leave them to those areas where grapes were traditionally not grown: Chile, New Zealand, California. In Italy, it is a waste of time and energy to grow French vines, accustomed to a cool and rainy climate. Therefore, in the country continue to cultivate varieties, known even in the times of Ancient Rome. This is "Sangiovese" ("the blood of Jupiter") and "Montepulciano."
The last one will be devoted to our article.We will consider an interesting history of the variety, and also advise you which wine Montepulciano should choose. Vines are cultivated throughout the east coast of Italy: in Molise, Marche, Apulia to the very south, Lazio and Umbria. But where does this variety show itself particularly brightly and nobly?
Variety of grapes and drink from it have nothingcommon with the small town of Montepulciano in Tuscany, a province on the western coast of Italy. This settlement was founded by the Etruscan king Lars Persenna. Since then, the inhabitants of Mont-Mercury (which later was renamed the Mont-Politianus) were engaged in winemaking. The fruit of their labors appeared at the beginning of the twentieth century, a noble drink, which glorified the city. "Nobile (aristocratic) from Montepulciano" - this name was given to him by master Adam Fanetti. And in the year 1910 this wine received the highest classification in Italy - DOCG.
Drink, of course, very good, frankly,excellent. With one caveat: the wine "Nobile di Montepulciano" is made from Sangiovese berries, produced only in the Tuscan town. In our article, we will talk about the sort of grapes and wine, obtained from its berries - "Montepulciano".
Still Pliny the Elder mentioned that in mountainousAbruzzo region is cultivated a wonderful grapes. It is believed that the birthplace of the variety is the valley of Valle Pelinha, located in the heart of the mountainous region. This variety loves dry hot climate and a little clay soils on the slopes of the hills.
The very first record about him in the historicaldocuments refers to the year one thousand seven hundred and ninety-two. Michele Torcia, archivist of King Ferdinand the Fourth, noted that in Sulmona (Valle Pelinha) they make the finest wine from the local grape variety. They are now seated more than half of the acreage in the region - thirty-five thousand hectares.
Approximately at the end of the nineteenth century the berries of steelgrow in the coastal areas of Abruzzo. There, the drink received a new sound. And when in Italy in 1968 the classification of drinks was accepted, the wine "Montepulciano" received the first DOC (Montepulciano d'Abruzzo). A special popularity in the country was gained after the end of World War II.
The wine zone does not cover the entire Abruzzo mountain range, but only four small regions: Teramo, Pescara, L'Aquila and Chieti. A good Montepulciano wine must meet the following criteria:
DOC is divided into five sub-regions:Terre di Casauria, dei Vesti, Alto Tirino, Peligny and Teathe. In these sub-zones, the production of wine is regulated by special rules. Until two thousand and ten of the year, DOC included rose wines. They were made with the addition of red grapes "Montepulciano". Now pink wines from Abruzzo are allocated in a separate DOC Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo.
It is worth saying that the taste of berries and beverage is influenced primarily by the climate that forms the mountains and the close proximity of the sea. Clay soils are also of great importance.
What kind of drink from this mountainous regionis considered the most exquisite? In two thousand and third year such a special terroir was found. This is a small area in the north of Abruzzo, which was allocated to the DOCG (the highest classification of wines in Italy). It is called Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Colline Teramane. Wines from this territory are only red and often monosort.
Drinks from the Terre di Kazauria subzone are one hundred percent Montepulciano. In Dei Vesti and Teat allowed the addition of other varieties no more than 10%, and in Alto Tirino - 5%.
Table red wine "Montepulciano" beginsSell from the spring following the harvest year. Vintage drinks are aged up to eighteen months. And three quarters of the time the wines are ripening in barrels, and then they still get in bottles in cool cellars. Monosort and assortment drinks from Terre Peligny have the longest exposure - two years. Of these, they spend nine months in barrels.
Montepulciano is a wine that has its ownan exceptional character. It is difficult to be confused with other varieties. This wine is distinguished by the rich color of the dark ruby. Its taste is elegant with perfectly balanced acidity and mild manifestation of tannins. In the fresh deep and self-sufficient bouquet, notes of ripe black cherry, plum, warm spices with nuances of tobacco and black olives are felt. In the long and languid aftertaste, shades of mulberry and dried fruits are played against the background of cocoa. These wines are usually served to fine restaurant dishes from game or red meat, pasta, expensive cheeses, cheese sausages.
Let's start the review with table beverages.A bottle of "Tini Montepulciano d'Abrozzo" harvest of two thousand and fifteenth year will be a good accompaniment for a meal of pasta carbonara or meat dishes. The price is four hundred and forty rubles for 0.75 liters. The cost of drinks varies considerably depending on the manufacturer.
The same young wine in 2015“Phontegaya Montepulciano d’Abruzzo” is almost half as expensive and costs 590 r. If the price of a thousand rubles does not scare you, try the brand "Podere". Montepulciano d’Abruzzo Riserva will be a chic gift and a real gourmet treat. This drink is produced by the family firm "Masharelli Marina Tsvetich" (Masciarelli Marina Cvetić). The drink is classified as DOC. He is especially good from grapes harvest two thousand and eleventh year.
