Cirelli Montepulciano d'Abruzzo '21

Agricola Cirelli is a certified organic farm surrounded by 23 hectares of land, located only 8 kilometers from the Adriatic Sea. All of its production is designed with respect to the natural cycles of the environment around it. Crop rotation, natural fertilization, and free range animal grazing are practiced at the farm, and Cirelli produces olive oil, vegetables, fruit, and meats in addition to its wine.

One of the most widely planted red varieties in Italy (second only to Sangiovese), Montepulciano hasn’t always had the best reputation in terms of character or overall quality. But the work of producers such as Cirelli has helped it shine in recent years, showing that the wines made from this variety can be just as versatile and impressive as those made from Italy’s other prized grapes.

The grapes for the 2021 Montepulciano d’Abruzzo are hand harvested and destemmed, and the wine fermented spontaneously on its skins for 10–15 days. It was aged in stainless steel vats for up to 6 months and bottled early, unfired and unfiltered. On the nose, the wine shows the variety’s classic aromas of sour cherry, red plum, dried herbs, and earth. On the palate, it is medium-bodied, with elevated acidity and firm, ripe tannins adding grip to the structure. Pair it with any kind of pizza or tomato-based pasta, or an array of Italian meats and cheeses.