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SKU 863309
$22.40/bottle
Out of stock
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Complex and intriguing nose of black plums and dark cherries seasoned by dried herbs and sweet clove spice. Powerful tannins with a chalky texture and a juicy fruit concentration balanced by a refreshing acidity. (Platinum) – DWWA 2021
Montepulciano grapes are one of the most widely cultivated varietals in Italy, with vines growing in twenty of Italy's ninety five provinces. This varietal is renowned for producing high yields, making it popular with vintners looking for a relatively easy varietal to grow. Whilst the grapes tend to have a low skin to juice ratio, the skins themselves are remarkably high in tannins with a lot of pigmentation, which means they often produce rather well bodied wines with a beautiful deep, dark color The wines of Montepulciano grapes are most commonly associated with soft, rounded characteristics, with plenty of juicy, plummy flavors The wines are known for being very smooth and drinkable, and easy to match with a wide range of foods.
Country
Italy
There are few countries in the world with a viticultural history as long or as illustrious as that claimed by Italy. Grapes were first being grown and cultivated on Italian soil several thousand years ago by the Greeks and the Pheonicians, who named Italy 'Oenotria' – the land of wines – so impressed were they with the climate and the suitability of the soil for wine production. Of course, it was the rise of the Roman Empire which had the most lasting influence on wine production in Italy, and their influence can still be felt today, as much of the riches of the empire came about through their enthusiasm for producing wines and exporting it to neighbouring countries. Since those times, a vast amount of Italian land has remained primarily for vine cultivation, and thousands of wineries can be found throughout the entire length and breadth of this beautiful country, drenched in Mediterranean sunshine and benefiting from the excellent fertile soils found there. Italy remains very much a 'land of wines', and one could not imagine this country, its landscape and culture, without it.
Region
Abruzzi
Abruzzi, located on Italy’s central Adriatic coast, is a region defined by rugged mountains, rolling hills, and coastal plains. This diverse terrain, along with a warm Mediterranean climate and cooling mountain breezes, creates ideal conditions for ripening grapes with both richness and acidity.
The region’s signature red grape is Montepulciano, which produces deeply colored, robust wines with dark fruit, spice, and soft tannins—most famously under the Montepulciano d’Abruzzo DOC. These reds range from easy-drinking to cellar-worthy, depending on vineyard elevation and winemaking style.
For whites, Trebbiano d’Abruzzo is the main variety. While often light and crisp, top producers craft more complex, mineral-driven versions with aging potential.
Abruzzi offers excellent value, with wines that pair well with a range of foods. It’s a go-to region for discovering expressive Italian wines without the prestige pricing of better-known appellations.
Appellation
Montepulciano D`abruzzo
DC97pts
Decanter
Complex and intriguing nose of black plums and dark cherries seasoned by dried herbs and sweet clove spice. Powerful tannins with a chalky texture and a juicy fruit concentration balanced by a refreshing acidity. (Platinum) - DWWA 2021
WA94pts
Wine Advocate
The Marina Cvetic 2016 Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Colline Teramane Riserva Iskra hits it out of the ballpark with an extra crisp zing and an energetic quality of fruit. I always think of the stubborn rockiness of the Apennines when I taste the wines of Abruzzo, and I am reminded of that characteristic firmness and rigidity here. Give the wine an extra year or two to unwind, but if you have a bottle in front of you, no harm is done if you decide to drink up now. This pretty Montepulciano is elegant and accessible at the same time. Enjoy it with a savory pie of ricotta, aged pecorino cheese and guanciale.
VM93pts
Vinous Media
The 2016 is a darker and inward expression of the Montepulciano d’Abruzzo Riserva Iskra. A wave of violet florals and crushed stone minerals set the stage, evolving further to show rich brown spices, smoke and plum sauce. The wine is undeniably elegant, with velvety textures giving way to a display of ripe black berries and cherries. A more tactile edge toward the close, results in mounting tannins and savory spice. Structured and poised, this tapers off with youthful grip, only showing a glimpse of what’s to come with further cellaring. This is one of the most complete vintages of the Iskra Riserva that I’ve ever tasted, yet it will require time to fully come together.
Winery Notes
Inky ruby. Bright flinty, smoky notes complement the dark, spicy plum aromas and flavors. Herbal nuances add a complicating touch on the long finish. Plenty of oak here, but it’s well integrated.
