Buying Montepulciano d’Abbruzzo can be tricky because the range of quality is vast, from a rough and tumble wine to one with surprising class. Cantina Zaccagnini’s Tralcetto falls into the latter category. Spicy and red fruity notes predominate in this nicely concentrated mid-weight red wine. Zaccagnini’s version provides lively acidity and vibrancy while avoiding an under ripe sour edge. Overall this uncomplicated wine is an excellent value and an obvious choice for weekday pasta dishes.
Cantina Zaccagnini, Montepulciano d’Abruzzo (Abruzzo, Italy) 2011
By Michael Apstein