Cantina Zaccagnini Montepulciano d'Abruzzo DOC 2023

Cantina Zaccagnini Montepulciano d'Abruzzo DOC
Cantina Zaccagnini Montepulciano d'Abruzzo DOC is part of the winery's Tralcetto line, identifiable by the small vine twig tied to the neck of every bottle, a nod to the deep roots connecting the wine to its Abruzzo home. It's grown on medium textured clay soils in the Abruzzo region, tied to traditional awning and espalier training systems, with grapes picked in September. The style is classic Montepulciano done simply and well: destemmed and crushed, fermented with submerged cap maceration under controlled temperature for around two weeks, then aged in steel on its own lees rather than in oak, keeping the focus squarely on fruit and territory.

What the winery says:
In the glass it shows a deep purple red with violet reflections, leading into aromas of ripe red berries lifted by a lively spiciness of white pepper. The palate is coherent and well balanced, with good persistence and soft, harmonious tannins that make it an easy wine to pair with food. Zaccagnini suggests serving it with cold cuts, meat or vegetable first courses, or pizza with bold toppings, at a cool fourteen to sixteen degrees.

What the experts say:
James Suckling (2023 vintage) - 90 points
Rich yet lifted, offering dark berries, citrus peel, sweet spices and crushed stones on the nose. Medium- to full-bodied and intense, with crunchy acidity and firm tannins shaping a gently exposed structure.