An Italian Riddle

Today we thought we would explore the Montepulciano conundrum.

(And, of course, offer you a delightful version at a great price which is pretty nifty in terms of wine geek obsessions)

So, let's start with the Italian riddle.

Who knows the difference between Montepulciano and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano (DOCG)?

A variation of this question frequently appears on entry level wine examinations. Let's face it, in a country which has nearly 30 principal synonyms for the grape variety Sangiovese, nothing is quite as it appears. A well-informed tour guide is essential.

Here's where we enter, stage right. So here's a hint. The DOCG appellation status in the term Vino Nobile di Montepulciano is a big clue. Did you figure it out?

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano refers to a noble red wine made exclusively in the town of Montepulciano. This wine is made primarily from the grape variety Sangiovese (known locally as one of the 30 principal synonyms, Prugnolo Gentile), often blended with Canaiolo, Mammolo or Trebbiano. If geography is your game, then this should be fairly easy to remember. The town of Montepulciano is located in Tuscany where Sangiovese rules supreme.

Montepulciano, as in Montepulciano d'Abruzzo, is another matter altogether. This is a red wine made from the grape variety Montepulciano in the Abruzzo region of central Italy.

So, there we have it. One Montepulciano is a town and the other is a grape. Easy, peasy.

Now for some fun, Italian style.

Today's wine is a Rosso Conero from the Marche region of Italy. Rosso Conero is an absolutely delicious red wine whose primary constituent just happens to be the grape variety Montepulciano. We're in Italy now, so we have to be wary of muddy waters. Don't confuse Rosso Conero with Rosso Piceno! Both are from the Marche, but Rosso Piceno is widely considered to be the lesser appellation and it's primarily based on the grape variety Sangiovese (with a bit of Montepulciano blended in for good measure). Whew.

Montepulciano 101 is over. Now for the good stuff.

Fattoria Le Terrazze Rosso Conero 2010

"Le Terazze is one of the Marche's most intriguing wineries. Proprietor Antonio Terni fashions unique wines that are well worth paying attention to." (Wine Advocate)

Fattoria Le Terrazze is located on slopes overlooking the Adriatic sea, with vineyards situated at 500 meters altitude on Monte Conero. This unusually hilly and rocky part of the Adriatic coastline has hosted vineyards for nearly 3000 years. The Terni family has owned the estate since 1882.

Rosso Conero is a lesser known, off-the-radar area with tremendous potential for rich and exciting wine. Fattoria Le Terrazze is delicious. Plus, with a little bit of information from this email, you can sound like a wine scholar when you drink it with your friends.

A brilliant ruby red, on the nose it's intense and fruity. It's a perfect example of classic Montepulciano from the Marche. In the glass you'll find a rich, full-bodied, warm and fresh red wine with soft tannins and a long finish.

2008 vintage: "This unusually beautiful wine is endowed with notable length and first-class balance among its peers." (Wine Advocate)

2009 vintage: "The 2009 Rosso Conero is gorgeous. It also happens to be one of the very finest wine readers will find under $20." (Wine Advocate)

2010 vintage: Not on the radar yet with press, but it will be soon enough. We predict another great review. Get in on the action while you can!

$16.99/bottle or $163.10/12 pack case ($13.59/bottle) or just $13.59/bottle in a mixed case of wine.

Ciao,

* Wine & Spirit Education Trust Certified *

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