2015 Santoleri "Vignaladra" Montepulciano d'Abruzzo

When you hear that a winery started their switch to organic agriculture in 1981, their vineyards lie above 1100 feet and were planted in 1968 and 1972, in a calcareous soil with a south, southeasterly exposure and only 13.5% abv, you might well sit up a bit and take notice. The problem is always: Oh…it’s a Montepulciano. But it shouldn’t be this way because Montepulciano is really a great varietal and can produce wines of great depth, complexity and structure. Well, the stats I listed above are for the Santoleri “Vignaladra” Montepulciano d’Abruzzo. You should love this wine. The Vignaladra has a savory intrigue full of smoke, porcini dust and sweet earth that adds to the vibrant dark cherry and plump berry aromatics. It doesn’t hurt that it’s from the superb 2015 vintage as well. Try it with grilled meats or a hearty pasta.