La Valentina Spelt Montepulciano d'Abruzzo
Deep ruby to garnet in color, this red offers explosive aromas of black cherry, blackberry, dark plum, and dried cherry layered with violet, licorice, tobacco, leather, cocoa, and Mediterranean herbs. On the palate dark fruit gives way to earth, balsamic herbs, black pepper, cedar, and mineral notes. Fattoria La Valentina was founded in the early 1990s in the province of Pescara and quickly became one of Abruzzo’s benchmark estates. The winery is known for its commitment to sustainable viticulture and for elevating Montepulciano d’Abruzzo from everyday table wine to a serious, terroir-driven expression.
Classification: DOC (Denominazione di Origine Controllata)
Grape Varietal: Montepulciano
Feature: Sustainable, Organic
Country: Italy
Region: Abruzzo
Appellation: D’Abruzzo
Grape Profile: Montepulciano grapes typically produce medium to full-bodied wines with a balance of acidity and tannins. It often showcases aromas and flavors of dark fruits, especially black cherry, and blackberries, along with hints of pepper, and sometimes even tar and smoke.
Region Profile: Abruzzo stretches from the Apennine Mountains to the Adriatic Sea in central Italy, giving its vineyards an unusual combination of mountain and maritime influences. Warm Mediterranean sunshine allows Montepulciano to ripen fully, while cooling air descending from the mountains and breezes from the Adriatic help preserve acidity. Vineyards planted across the region's rolling hills and predominantly clay, limestone, and calcareous soils.
Pair with: Cured meats and rustic dishes typical to the region like salami and braised/stewed beef. Red sauced pastas and pizza. Grilled foods like barbecue. Aged cheeses like parmesan and pecorino.
