Abruzzo may be one of the most unique regions in Italy, if not in all of Europe. Divided climatically by the Apennines Mountain Range, Abruzzo’s climate toward the interior of the province can often be forbidding with harsher winters and more dramatic swings. Toward the coast, the influence of the Mediterranean Sea moderates temperatures dramatically and although the summers can be hotter and drier, the winters are also milder.
But what makes Abruzzo unique? To begin with, it’s often referred to as the “Greenest Region in Europe” for just over 1/3 of Abruzzo is protected National Parks or Nature Reserves. From a wine standpoint, the region is the 5th largest wine producing province in Italy and is home to the DOC Montepulciano d’Abruzzo. However, there is a small, unique subzone within the Montepulciano DOC that has been granted DOCG status – the Colline Teramane.
Montepulciano is often terrific value. Lots of the wine is produced generically and shipped north to be sold in bulk. But many producers bottle and sell their own wine and the quality usually exceeds the price. Today’s review is one such example.
The 2010 Bùcaro Montepulciano d’Abruzzo is a bright, shining violet color with some darker purple reflections. The nose of the wine is everything you’d want in a nice entry level Montepulciano. There’s plums, flowers and hints of spice. On the palate, the wine is medium bodied with a nice core of black fruits that are accented with vanilla, and powdery pepper. Shortens up on the finish a little bit, but that’s a minor complaint. With basic roasted chicken, this was a wonderful foil. Hard to beat this value considering you can find this for $10. 87 points.
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~ 2010 Bùcaro with a stylish label ~ |
Cin Cin!
March 5, 2014
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