Mazzamurello Montepulciano d'Abruzzo 2018 (Torre dei Beati)

Cellar for up to 11 years. Decant 1 hour before serving. This playful red is named after a cheeky elf which according to local tradition in Abruzzo can be found living amongst the barrels in the cellar. Grapes are sourced from Torre dei Beati’s finest Montepulciano vineyards which are planted at an altitude of 300 metres on excellent clay and limestone soils. Once in the winery the grapes are attentively vinified and the young wine is then aged in new barrels for up to 22 months with regular lees stirring or "battonage". This creates a dark and handsome Montepulciano with ample dark berry notes and hints of licorice and winter spice. The first sip reveals a robust full body, firm yet smooth tannins and a long finish with plenty of dark fruit and floral hints. A great partner for hearty red meat dishes, charcuterie, or even a spicy pepperoni pizza. The estate which produces this delicious red is a family-run boutique winery set close to the magnificent Gran Sasso peak and just 25km from the Adriatic Sea. In total the family works 21 hectares of vines which are all farmed organically. Although the winery was only officially founded in 1999, some of the vineyards are much older since founder Rocco first started planting vines here in 1972.