Valori Montepulciano d’Abruzzo Bio 2018

Valori sits in the hills of Abruzzo, central Italy, and is distributed by Gianni Masciarelli. The house takes a modern line on a traditionally rustic region, and this bottling is certified organic. Montepulciano ripens fully in the region's warm, sun-exposed sites, with cooling from the Apennines to the west preserving acidity and aromatic lift across the growing season. The wine is fermented and aged only in stainless steel, with no oak contact, so the tank protects the primary red and dark fruit and the grape's naturally deep colour rather than layering in wood spice or vanilla. Malolactic fermentation softens the sharper malic acidity into rounder lactic acid, which suits Montepulciano's fleshy tannins and gives the broad, balanced mid-palate. It pours a dense ruby, with aromas of plum, cherry and red forest fruit lifted by a floral note. The palate is fruity and full-bodied, with soft tannins, a savoury herbal edge and light pepper spice into the finish. Serve at 16 to 18 degrees, decanting briefly. Good with grilled and braised red meats, tomato-based pasta and hard sheep's cheese.