La Valentina

Today we're offering a mini lesson on Montepulciano. We've rarely seen a professional wine certification or exam without a question about this commonly confused term so it's worth exploring the matter.

Montepulciano is the name of a red grape variety planted over much of central Italy, however it is most widely known in the area of Abruzzo where you will find wines known as Montepulciano d'Abruzzo. For you wine buffs out there, Montepulciano is also the principal grape variety in Rosso Conero and Rosso Piceno from the Marche.

Vineyards at La Valentina winery

So here's the confusing part which inevitably trips up many wine aficionados. Montepulciano is also the name of a town in Tuscany where a high quality red wine known as Vino Nobile di Montepulciano is produced. This wine is made with a clone or strain of Sangiovese known locally as Prugnolo Gentile.

OK, so now you have the scoop on a famous wine question. Montepulciano is a grape variety whereas Vino Nobile di Montepulciano is a wine from the town of Montepulciano made with Prugnolo Gentile.

Now that we've cleared this up, let's get down to the important part. What's to love about Montepulciano? Well, it makes ripe, earthy and robust red wines. Today's wine is just such a quaffer.

La Valentina Montepulciano 2012

"Fascinating aromas of dried fruits, orange peel, earth, pomace and meat. Full body with soft and tangy fruit plus a long, flavorful finish. It's decadent and citrusy on the finish besides the opulent and delicious red fruits." (James Suckling)

James Suckling: 92 points

"Blackberry, loamy earth, spice and tea leaf notes mix in this balanced red, with light tannins on the aromatic finish. Drink now through 2018. 14,500 cases made." (Wine Spectator)

Wine Spectator: 87 points

This wine has a deep ruby color with purple shadows. The bouquet shows rose, red currant and red raspberry, pepper, clove and accents of brush. A medium-bodied red with fresh and energetic tannins with hints of plum, blueberry and licorice on a velvety frame.

With 92 points from James Suckling this wine is no slouch!

$13.99/bottle or $134.30/12 pack case ($11.19/bottle) or just $11.19/bottle in a mixed case of wine.

* Wine & Spirit Education Trust Certified *

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Location 4550 State Highway North Eastham, MA 02651 (Next to the Royal Thai Restaurant in the Town Center Plaza) Tel: 508 255 3660 Fax: 508 255 6736

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