Cairo NY -- Extremely low prices for most great Montepulcianos aside, what I've always liked best about this variety is the earthiness.  With its musty aroma and matching finish, a glass of good Montepulciano d'Abruzzo is not only the perfect mate for pizza but it also has what it takes to stand up to any tangy tomato-based sauce without changing the chef's desired taste impartation in the process.

So when I saw a bottle of the subject wine in a $5.59 bargain basket on the check-out counter of a local (very basic and under-stocked) store I thought to myself: "How bad could this be with a linguini and clam sauce lunch on a very cold winter's day?" 

To be truthful, there really wasn't anything bad about it.  However, it tasted nothing like the good Montes I've found for around the same price.  It was very ordinary and way too fruity for this variety -- kind of like those jug wines with cutesy, made-up Italian-sounding names.  Sadly, it had no earthiness whatsoever.

In other words, if you don't know what to expect from Montepulciano d'Abruzzo you'll probably enjoy this Giacobazzi brand vino.  You'll definitely pat yourself on the back for your frugality.

However, I guarantee that if you keep trying bargain basket Montepulcianos you will ultimately come across one -- or several -- that better typify the variety. 

When that happens you too will become a believer in these unique grapes from the Abruzzo region of Italy. You will seek it out often as a great, inexpensive companion for simple Italian foods.

Rating Arpi Montepulciano d'Abruzzo is difficult because any wine that sells for $5.59 can't be judged too harshly.  Nonetheless, a waste of money is a waste of money.

ADD A COMMENT...