MONTEPULCIANO D'ABRUZZO

[GEORGE 1]

RECEIVED SUBJECT AS GIFT..LABEL AS 'ITALIAN RED 1997' FROM THE ZONIN FAMILY..CANNOT FIND INFO ON THIS WINE..QUESTION; IS IT A GOOD WINE AND WHAT IS THE RATING??

[mrdutton]

Welcome to the wine board! Most of us here subscribe to the notion that a rating is meaningless to anyone other than the person who issued it.

Each of us whether a wine expert or a wine novice tastes differently.

Montepulciano D'Abruzzo is a very good wine. I am a good fan and drink it often. The wine comes from Central Italy in the eastern coastal regions between Teramo and Pescara near the Adriatic Sea. Pop it open and give it a sip or two and I think you'll agree that it is quite good.

The varietal is Montepulciano which produces some very vigorous, good tasting wines.

Do not confuse this wine with the varietal Sangiovese and cousins from the Tuscan region of Central Italy on the western side north of Rome. From there comes the Vino Nobile di Montepulciano which is mostly Prugnolo (a Sangiovese clone) with some Canaiolo Nero and Mammolo. I am also a fan of the Vino Nobile di Montepulciano.

Bottom line; the only way you'll know whether or not you like this wine is to pop the cork and taste it.



[This message has been edited by mrdutton (edited 01-02-2001).]

[cpurvis]

Welcome G1. MrD is on target re: ratings & the M d'Abruzzo varietal (as well as his other comments). I believe you'll find the Zonin Montepulciano d'Abruzzo to be a full bodied, easy-drinking, dry red wine w/ good fruit. Drink it now...it isn't mean for keepin'!

If you like it, then take note: Montepulciano d'Abruzzo reds are rather overlooked in the array of Italian wines on US shelves. Perhaps for that reason, they tend to be inexpensive (read 'cheap')..under $10..and are decent everyday table reds.

[This message has been edited by cpurvis (edited 01-02-2001).]

[Thomas]

Zonin is a large producer with lots of interests throughout northern/central Italy. Generally, the wines are good to exceptional.

[This message has been edited by foodie (edited 01-03-2001).]