Valle Reale Montepulciano d' Abruzzo 2006

Empire Wine Best Value
New York Times Best Value
"This lively, juicy red wine comes from the rugged Abruzzi hills above the Adriatic coast of central Italy, a region long known for its tidal wave of mass-produced reds. Abruzzi is dominated by giant cooperatives pumping out adequately palatable wine, but it is evolving and improving, like much of southern Italy, with more and more serious producers taking the lead in seeking higher quality. And these serious producers have raised the bar for everybody."

"Valle Reale - located 1000 ft. above sea level, with southwestern exposure and a mixed clay, chalk and rock soil composition.
85 acres planted in 1999 with a density of 3,000 vines per acre. The vines are planted in the low spur pruned cordon method and yield 3.2 tons per acre.
Fermented in stainless steel tanks at a temperature of 86 degrees for 7 days. Malolactic fermentation is totally carried out The wine is not refrigerated prior to bottling.
Food pairing: A beautifully rich aromatic wine, firm but supple, it can be consumed young with hearty pasta dishes, roasted poultry or rack of lamb." ~Winery notes