The Abruzzo region is located in the middle of Italy’s boot. Its western border is the Adriatic Sea with the Appenine Mountain Range on the east. It is considered the greenest region in Italy, possibly the greenest in Europe. Sounds like an ideal area to grow grapevines and make wine. Obviously, the folks at Inama and joint venture partner Fattoria La Valentina think so, because they work together, farming a vineyard planted with a clone of the Montepulciano called Africa for the shape of the grape bunches. The vines are farmed organically, though not certified. The wine was aged in French oak barriques for 15 months with an additional six to eight months in stainless steel and spend 18 months in bottle. It has a black ruby color and discrete aromas of blackberry, black cherry, and black plum. It is tightly structured in the mouth and the concentrated black fruits are supported by crisp acidity and tight, chalky tannins. It is at its best with hearty stews to challenge the tannins and tomato sauces that will appreciate the acidity.
Binomio, Montepulciano d’Abruzzo DOC (Italy) 2019
By Rebecca Murphy