Another quality wine video Professor Bob! This content is very educational, so happy I subscribed to your channel. Montepulciano D'Abruzzo wasn't on my radar, but it is now. I'm going to buy one from each level: Entry, Mid-Range and Full-Body and blind them to see if I can tell the difference...a fun exercise for a wine hobbyist. Also enjoy the scenery on your travels. Thank you for sharing your vast wine knowledge with us!
Thank you for the very kind words. I’m glad you’re going to try the wines. There’s a lot to explore with Montepulciano. This was an intense five days, covered a lot of ground in Abruzzo, then went south to Puglia. Cheers. 🍷
Great video. I regularly drink montepulciano, sangiovese, tempranillo, malbec and syrah. Great wines for less than $10 when on sale. I find that they offer great value. Thanks for sharing your knowledge .
Great video as always, very informative. Finally had a chance to try some montepulciano d’abruzzo the other day, 2020 Frattaroli. Definitely at the entry level, but thoroughly enjoyable and simple. Will look for a next-rung version soon.
Thanks for this advice, Bob. It triggered my memory that I had recently seen one at Costco for under $15. I went back and bought the 2020 Cantina Zaccagnini Red Wine for $12.69. My wife and I both LOVED it. Delicious and drinkable right away with a depth I didn't expect in a young red. So far it's my best budget pick for 2023. I ran back and bought four more. Thanks for steering me to this region. Top value indeed!
Another great video! definitely going to search these out and try them. I enjoy these videos of your travels, very informative. Keep the videos coming - Salute!
To add more anecdotes to the 😕 you mentioned, I was told by a wine maker in Montepulciano, Tuscany, 10 years ago, that there was a court case between Tuscany and Abruzzo because of the name Montepulciano d'Abruzzo. Tuscany couldn't digest they were calling a wine with that name as there is only one Montepulciano for them and that is in Tuscany. They told me that Abruzzo had lost the battle and they were going to have to change the name to their wine. Now, or that wine maker was drunk and he told me a fantasy story or the battle continued and in the end it was Tuscany which lost the battle 🤷♀️
Good story. I’m always amazed how a neighboring region can seemingly be clueless of another nearby region. Bottom line, there’s a lot to like with Montepulciano d’Abruzzo. 🍷
Some of the wine's from there, can be amazing.. Been trying to get a Emidio Pepe. for the last 2 yers. but im too far back in the line. and too frew bottles, are getting to Denmark. But one day.... :)
Walking the cellar there was a fantastic experience. The production is very small and a good part of it goes to high restaurants. Good luck on your search! 🍷
@@bobpaulinskimasterofwine Well. i called my local wine dealer, and he will sell me a 2018, from he's celler. 80 bugs, seems fair. Looking forward to drink it with a Buddy, this weekend 😁
This was a helpful provocation. I’ve had enough “meh” experiences with montepulciano, and don’t hear much about from the experts I follow, so rarely try it. Your endorsement as a top value grape will find me exploring the region and grape more. Thanks!
Indeed those Italian names are confusing. Montepulciano is a grape variety and a place. And somehow I always mix it up with Montalcino, from Brunello de Montalcino, which is close to Montepulciano and it starts with a B, just like Barolo, Barbaresco, Barbera... Aargh, I think they're just trying to confuse us!
Tasted many on this trip. My appreciation for Trebbiano has bumped up. Yields are a huge factor, when kept in check, the wines have a good range of character. When the yields are high, the wines showed a lack of depth.
@@bobpaulinskimasterofwine from my understanding there are many Trebbiano’s (Trebbiano Toscana as an example) and only few are truly Trebbiano dabruzzo which is the special one out of all those trebbianos out there.
Informative video. I’ve had the Le Murate at a restaurant in Philly. I just checked my wine store and I can get quite a few things. Nicodemi Le Murate and Notari; Illuminati Ilico, Riparosso, and Zanna Reserva; C. Madonna Maladrino; Idi di Marzo-Amarne; and a handful of others. I’ll pick through them. Thanks.
Thanks for the deep dive into the many facets of Montepulciano d'Abruzzo. As a wine geek the nomenclature with the appellation in Tuscany isn't an issue for me, but the somewhat confusing and competing styles of it has made me shy away from it. It does sound like a great QPR wine without high levels of tannins and with a medium aging capacity. I also really enjoy Pecorino, as it is so crisp and food friendly. Unfortunately both of these wines are not so common here in Taiwan/Asia where Piedmont, Tuscany, Veneto, Puglia, and now Sicily are the go to regions. But there are a few importers bringing them in, just not mainstream just yet. Man, buying a wine like that at Costco for 9 bucks sounds totally awesome. Cheers & great video!
It’s good to start the day reading a very kind message. Thank you. The styles of Montepulciano d’Abruzzo can be difficult to discern, but it’s well worth exploring. As for Pecorino, it’s outstanding, the way it maintains acidity is a huge plus. I’ve not been to Taiwan, but I’ve been to some other countries in Asia. It appears the available wine range keeps improving, but with a much heavier focus on red. Thank you again, your support of my channel is appreciated. 🍷
It is almost a duty to us wine geeks to promote the massive diversity of grape varieties in Italy. It's like a colossal playground-museum for aromas and styles. You wanna see what a red feels like with almost no tannin yet decent acidity? Here you are, a good handful of them. High tannin, high acidity? Sure! Whites with notes you'd never imagine? What flavour do you like?
I’m trying to do my part to promote the wines that require extra effort to search out. So many worthwhile gems. It’s encouraging to see places in Italy (and Portugal) go to great lengths to keep their indigenous grape varieties part of the wine culture. As always, thanks for posting your thoughts. 🍷
@@bobpaulinskimasterofwine it's a super important effort in my view, and the wine community's much better off with experts covering the gems. Not sure if I've said it before on this channel, but you might wanna look out for Pedral grape, from Rías Baixas. The Attis winery I mentioned some time ago makes a great example. It could very well pass as Burgundy Villages at a reasonable price, adding some salinity and tannin to an otherwise very Pinot-ish character.
@@juanmanuelmunozhernandez7032 I agree. I'll sprinkle in more videos on little known grapes. Pedral is one that I'll research. One of the most intriguing aspects of wine, there's always more to learn.
@@bobpaulinskimasterofwine As a reference if it helps, the most important red grapes that are on the edge of extinction in Galicia are Pedral, Sousón, Brancellao and Espadeiro. Caíño Tinto is in a better shape, and Mencía and Garnacha Tintorera are not endangered as far as I know.
Great video…..several of the labels I’ve had. I do like them. If I need a more old world, value based red, big bold red it’s a go to. But I do love different styles, I just picked up some 05 occhio di pernice from Avignonesi….. like Marche needs more press! Thank you!
@@carlcadregari7768 So many, some will be part of future videos. Some are up and coming, others just sorely undervalued or have experienced a recent transformation. Puglia, Marche, Sicily, Northern Greece, Minervois, Corbieres, Leyda, San Antonio (Chile)...
My favorite from Montepulciano d'Abruzzo in the last time was Barba, „i Vasari“ DOC Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, rosso 2019 an exceptional unique wine for just 10 € in Germany. I can fully agree with your oppinon that quality is and status is going to improve further in the future.
The range on the trip was generally very high. The styles were all over the place, this is one aspect that poses a challenge for wine shoppers. I’m terms of finding good examples for low price, it’s one of the best places in the world. I’ll look for your suggestion, even if it’s another vintage. 🍷
Another quality wine video Professor Bob! This content is very educational, so happy I subscribed to your channel. Montepulciano D'Abruzzo wasn't on my radar, but it is now. I'm going to buy one from each level: Entry, Mid-Range and Full-Body and blind them to see if I can tell the difference...a fun exercise for a wine hobbyist. Also enjoy the scenery on your travels. Thank you for sharing your vast wine knowledge with us!
Thank you for the very kind words. I’m glad you’re going to try the wines. There’s a lot to explore with Montepulciano. This was an intense five days, covered a lot of ground in Abruzzo, then went south to Puglia. Cheers. 🍷
Great video. I regularly drink montepulciano, sangiovese, tempranillo, malbec and syrah. Great wines for less than $10 when on sale. I find that they offer great value. Thanks for sharing your knowledge .
I’m glad you enjoyed the video. And yes, there are plenty of great values if you know where to look. 🍷
It was great to meet you in person too! I love that Gattavecchi Rosso di Montepulciano that you showed- yes yes I know it’s Sangiovese tho ahhaha
Thanks Matthew. I know you’re a big Sangiovese fan! 🍷
Great video as always, very informative. Finally had a chance to try some montepulciano d’abruzzo the other day, 2020 Frattaroli. Definitely at the entry level, but thoroughly enjoyable and simple. Will look for a next-rung version soon.
A step up version will be an eye opener. MdA is a go to wine for me. Excellent value.
Thanks for this advice, Bob. It triggered my memory that I had recently seen one at Costco for under $15. I went back and bought the 2020 Cantina Zaccagnini Red Wine for $12.69. My wife and I both LOVED it. Delicious and drinkable right away with a depth I didn't expect in a young red. So far it's my best budget pick for 2023. I ran back and bought four more. Thanks for steering me to this region. Top value indeed!
I appreciate you taking the time to comment. That’s long been a favorite of mine. It’s on my short list of the best bargain of 2023 as well. Cheers. 🍷
Another great video! definitely going to search these out and try them. I enjoy these videos of your travels, very informative. Keep the videos coming - Salute!
Glad to read you enjoyed it. Abruzzo, great place, sensational wines. Thanks again. 🍷
To add more anecdotes to the 😕 you mentioned, I was told by a wine maker in Montepulciano, Tuscany, 10 years ago, that there was a court case between Tuscany and Abruzzo because of the name Montepulciano d'Abruzzo. Tuscany couldn't digest they were calling a wine with that name as there is only one Montepulciano for them and that is in Tuscany. They told me that Abruzzo had lost the battle and they were going to have to change the name to their wine. Now, or that wine maker was drunk and he told me a fantasy story or the battle continued and in the end it was Tuscany which lost the battle 🤷♀️
Good story. I’m always amazed how a neighboring region can seemingly be clueless of another nearby region. Bottom line, there’s a lot to like with Montepulciano d’Abruzzo. 🍷
Very interesting again. It would be great to see you with Matthew Horkey, I really like his enthusiasm for wine. Seems like a great guy. Thanks again!
Thanks for the comment. With a bit of planning and some luck, hopefully we can collaborate on a video. Cheers. 🍷
Some of the wine's from there, can be amazing..
Been trying to get a Emidio Pepe. for the last 2 yers. but im too far back in the line. and too frew bottles, are getting to Denmark.
But one day.... :)
Walking the cellar there was a fantastic experience. The production is very small and a good part of it goes to high restaurants. Good luck on your search! 🍷
@@bobpaulinskimasterofwine Well. i called my local wine dealer, and he will sell me a 2018, from he's celler. 80 bugs, seems fair.
Looking forward to drink it with a Buddy, this weekend 😁
This was a helpful provocation. I’ve had enough “meh” experiences with montepulciano, and don’t hear much about from the experts I follow, so rarely try it. Your endorsement as a top value grape will find me exploring the region and grape more. Thanks!
Thank you Andrew. There’s plenty to explore with a little due diligence. Let me know if you have questions about specific wines. Cheers. 🍷
Indeed those Italian names are confusing. Montepulciano is a grape variety and a place. And somehow I always mix it up with Montalcino, from Brunello de Montalcino, which is close to Montepulciano and it starts with a B, just like Barolo, Barbaresco, Barbera... Aargh, I think they're just trying to confuse us!
I agree 100%, it’s easy to mix it up. Same happens with Spain, Portugal and France. Hopefully my video helped to clarify Montepulciano. Cheers. 🍷
sure, Moltepuchiano is interesting in Abruzzo but boy oh boy I want to try Trebbiano d'Abruzzo…
Tasted many on this trip. My appreciation for Trebbiano has bumped up. Yields are a huge factor, when kept in check, the wines have a good range of character. When the yields are high, the wines showed a lack of depth.
@@bobpaulinskimasterofwine from my understanding there are many Trebbiano’s (Trebbiano Toscana as an example) and only few are truly Trebbiano dabruzzo which is the special one out of all those trebbianos out there.
@@Ruirspirul You're right, Trebbiano d'Abruzzo isn't the easiest to find. Had many good examples while there.
It is awesome when your favorite wine expert/youtuber mentions the very wine you are enjoying in the moment.
The Masciarelli is indeed quite nice.
C’mon now! Kind words, but what’s the chance of that happening? I think we both need to buy lottery tix asap! 😂 I appreciate your comment! Cheers!🍷
Informative video. I’ve had the Le Murate at a restaurant in Philly. I just checked my wine store and I can get quite a few things. Nicodemi Le Murate and Notari; Illuminati Ilico, Riparosso, and Zanna Reserva; C. Madonna Maladrino; Idi di Marzo-Amarne; and a handful of others. I’ll pick through them. Thanks.
I’m glad you liked the video. It sounds like you have a good wine store nearby. If you have questions on any of the options, let me know. 🍷
Great video! Could be personal preference but I still think the best value in Italy is in Etna.
Thanks. That’s part of what makes wine so interesting and fun, personal preference can’t be wrong. Cheers. 🍷
Thanks for the deep dive into the many facets of Montepulciano d'Abruzzo. As a wine geek the nomenclature with the appellation in Tuscany isn't an issue for me, but the somewhat confusing and competing styles of it has made me shy away from it. It does sound like a great QPR wine without high levels of tannins and with a medium aging capacity.
I also really enjoy Pecorino, as it is so crisp and food friendly. Unfortunately both of these wines are not so common here in Taiwan/Asia where Piedmont, Tuscany, Veneto, Puglia, and now Sicily are the go to regions.
But there are a few importers bringing them in, just not mainstream just yet. Man, buying a wine like that at Costco for 9 bucks sounds totally awesome. Cheers & great video!
It’s good to start the day reading a very kind message. Thank you. The styles of Montepulciano d’Abruzzo can be difficult to discern, but it’s well worth exploring. As for Pecorino, it’s outstanding, the way it maintains acidity is a huge plus. I’ve not been to Taiwan, but I’ve been to some other countries in Asia. It appears the available wine range keeps improving, but with a much heavier focus on red. Thank you again, your support of my channel is appreciated. 🍷
Found a few of these at my local TW. Guess I know where I'm going tomorrow:)
You’ll be able to find some different versions at TW. Share you thoughts after you try them. 🍷
It is almost a duty to us wine geeks to promote the massive diversity of grape varieties in Italy. It's like a colossal playground-museum for aromas and styles. You wanna see what a red feels like with almost no tannin yet decent acidity? Here you are, a good handful of them. High tannin, high acidity? Sure! Whites with notes you'd never imagine? What flavour do you like?
I’m trying to do my part to promote the wines that require extra effort to search out. So many worthwhile gems. It’s encouraging to see places in Italy (and Portugal) go to great lengths to keep their indigenous grape varieties part of the wine culture. As always, thanks for posting your thoughts. 🍷
@@bobpaulinskimasterofwine it's a super important effort in my view, and the wine community's much better off with experts covering the gems. Not sure if I've said it before on this channel, but you might wanna look out for Pedral grape, from Rías Baixas. The Attis winery I mentioned some time ago makes a great example. It could very well pass as Burgundy Villages at a reasonable price, adding some salinity and tannin to an otherwise very Pinot-ish character.
@@juanmanuelmunozhernandez7032 I agree. I'll sprinkle in more videos on little known grapes. Pedral is one that I'll research. One of the most intriguing aspects of wine, there's always more to learn.
@@bobpaulinskimasterofwine As a reference if it helps, the most important red grapes that are on the edge of extinction in Galicia are Pedral, Sousón, Brancellao and Espadeiro. Caíño Tinto is in a better shape, and Mencía and Garnacha Tintorera are not endangered as far as I know.
@@juanmanuelmunozhernandez7032 I’ll research it when I get the chance. Thanks!
Great video…..several of the labels I’ve had. I do like them. If I need a more old world, value based red, big bold red it’s a go to. But I do love different styles, I just picked up some 05 occhio di pernice from Avignonesi….. like Marche needs more press! Thank you!
Your good word is always appreciated. Can’t go wrong with Avignonesi. I’m also a fan of the white wines from Marche as well. Cheers!
@@bobpaulinskimasterofwine cool…any other up and coming regions I should look for? Old or new world.
@@carlcadregari7768 So many, some will be part of future videos. Some are up and coming, others just sorely undervalued or have experienced a recent transformation. Puglia, Marche, Sicily, Northern Greece, Minervois, Corbieres, Leyda, San Antonio (Chile)...
@@bobpaulinskimasterofwine nice! I’ll look forward to them!
My favorite from Montepulciano d'Abruzzo in the last time was Barba, „i Vasari“ DOC Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, rosso 2019 an exceptional unique wine for just 10 € in Germany. I can fully agree with your oppinon that quality is and status is going to improve further in the future.
The range on the trip was generally very high. The styles were all over the place, this is one aspect that poses a challenge for wine shoppers. I’m terms of finding good examples for low price, it’s one of the best places in the world. I’ll look for your suggestion, even if it’s another vintage. 🍷
Great insights on the region and the wine. Thank you for sharing your experience, Bob. Cheers!
Thank you Dmitri. If you’ve not tried the wines, I hope you do! Cheers. 🍷
I have, Bob. But more I think more on an entry level but still liked them Now I will dive deeper.
@@dmitrivassiliev15 Cool, there's a lot to discover there.