Montepulciano d’Abruzzo has nothing to do with Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. The former is a grape, the latter a village whose wines, curiously enough, are made from Sangiovese. The quality and price of Montepulciano d’Abruzzo is vast, from thin swill to monumental wine, which makes it a mine field when selecting wines. Masciarelli, one of the top producers, is a name you can trust. This one, named after the founder’s wife, has a charming rusticity and good weight. Not aggressive, this mid-weight wine combines black cherry nuances and spice, which makes it perfect for a sausage-based tomato sauce over pasta.
Masciarelli, Montepulciano d’Abruzzo Riserva DOC (Italy) 2016
By Michael Apstein