Montepulciano d’Abruzzo DOC 2023

Wine description for Montepulciano d'Abruzzo DOC 2023 from Cirelli

In the gentle hills of Abruzzo, where the Adriatic breeze meets the foothills of the Apennines, Francesco Cirelli cultivates his remarkable Montepulciano. Here, on barren clay-limestone soils that demand strength from the vines, a wine is created that epitomises the unadulterated soul of this often overlooked Italian region. Cirelli's artisanal approach - manual harvesting, careful destemming and restrained extraction - reflects his philosophy: to let the character of the terroir speak without the human hand being too noticeable.

Visual impression

The colour in the glass is a deep, almost impenetrable ruby red with violet reflections - the characteristic signature of a young, vital Montepulciano that is still learning to tame its power.

Nose

The olfactory landscape of this wine unfolds in layers. At first, dark fruits dominate with remarkable precision: juicy black cherries, wild blackberries and ripe black mulberries, reminiscent of late summer hikes through the Abruzzese hills. Underneath is a layer of concentrated plum jam, subtly flavoured with cloves - an indication of the perfect physiological ripeness of the grapes. A surprising note of redcurrant breaks through the dominance of dark fruit and gives the bouquet a welcome freshness. The occasional flash of blackberry leaves adds a tart dimension that prevents the wine from being overly opulent - a Montepulciano that masters the balance between power and elegance.

Palate

The true skilfulness of the winemaker is evident on the palate. The first sip reveals a juicy, generous abundance of fruit, which never becomes overloaded. The texture of the tannins is remarkable - not rough or demanding, as one might expect from some more rustic representatives of this grape variety, but surprisingly fine-grained, almost powdery in texture. They envelop the mouth with gentle authority, while the ripe but present acidity provides the necessary structure. A subtle bitterness unfolds in the finish, reminiscent of high-proof dark chocolate - a typical characteristic of the Montepulciano grape when treated with respect. This wine bears the signature of a winemaker who understands that true quality lies not in exaggerated extraction or technological intervention, but in the ability to preserve the natural expressiveness of the vine.

General information

With its 12.5% Alcohol and a restrained residual sweetness, this Montepulciano remains refreshingly drinkable - a wine that does not want to impress with its power, but with its balance and authenticity. The 2023 vintage is already accessible, but has enough structure to mature harmoniously for a few more years. Francesco Cirelli, a pioneer of sustainable winemaking in Abruzzo, demonstrates with this wine that traditional grape varieties in their purest form are often the most convincing ambassadors of their homeland.

Food pairing suggestions

This Montepulciano calls for the down-to-earth cuisine of its homeland. It harmonises excellently with Arrosticini - the typical lamb skewers of Abruzzo, grilled over charcoal. Also recommended are Pasta alla Chitarra with rich game ragout or a simple Bruschetta with mature pecorino and black olives. The velvety tannins also make it a worthy accompaniment to Mushroom risotto with parmesan shavings or Grilled aubergines with garlic and mint. A wine that enriches both the festive table and the uncomplicated dinner - in keeping with Italian tradition, where good wine is above all a food that gives pleasure without forcing itself to the fore.