Cellar for up to 5 years. No need to decant before serving.
The Ulisses have been making wine in the charming Abruzzo countryside for three generations since the purchase of the family’s first vineyard in the early 1900s by Antonio Ulisse. Decades later his grandsons, Antonio and Luigi, decided to found their very own winery to realise their dreams of bottling and selling wines made from the family’s exquisite vineyards near the town of Crecchio.
The current Tenuta Ulisse estate was founded in 2006, but despite its relative youth the brothers have already succeeded in making a name for their top-quality Abruzzo wines which showcase the very best of the region’s indigenous varieties. This youthful Montepulciano d’Abruzzo is vinified and aged in stainless steel tanks which helps to preserve the pure character of the variety.
Crushed dark berries, black cherries and baked earth characterise the nose while on the palate there is an abundance of rich dark fruit flavours complemented by a full body and soft, smooth tannins. The vibrancy and freshness of this wine makes it an ideal wine to drink alongside cheeses and Italian charcuterie as well as heartier dishes like fresh pasta served with a rich tomato-based sauce.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo is one of the quintessential wines of Italy, enjoyed throughout the country and the world, and made in several styles. Just don’t confuse it with Vino Nobile di Montepulciano! That’s a completely different wine made of Sangiovese grapes from the town of Montepulciano in Tuscany.
The beautiful region of Abruzzo is flanked by the turquoise Adriatic Sea and the foothills of the Apennine Mountains. This area’s green and rugged interior is an established spot for cultivating Montepulciano, a native Italian grape and the second most-planted grape in the country.
Prolific production in the past meant that these wines were often used in bulk, acting as a blending partner for other wines within Italy and even other countries, like Germany. This practice has been tempered in recent years, and now winemakers look to keep yields smaller as they focus on coaxing the best out of the grapes.
While you can definitely pair this wine and either of its scrumptious styles with savory grilled meat dishes or pasta with ragu, try it with pizza to feast like a local.
Winery - Tenuta Ulisse
Grapes - Montepulciano
Region - Italy / Central Italy / Abruzzo / Montepulciano d'Abruzzo
Wine style - Italian Montepulciano d'Abruzzo
Alcohol content - 14%
Allergens - Contains sulfites
Food that goes well with this wine: Beef, Pasta, Veal, Pork.
