Tre Castelli "Vignedileo", Esino Rosso, Marche, Italy, 2022
80% Montepulciano, 20% Merlot
BLACK CHERRY, BALSAMIC HERBS & UNDERBRUSH
In more easterly, Adriatic-influenced climes, the Montepulciano grape is not above stealing, by force, a fair bit of the thunder from Central Italy’s reigning Sangiovese. This red blends the local M with a whisper of French expat, Merlot, to excellent effect, layering vibrant dark fruit with herbal mystique, forested earthiness, and balsamic-esque, food-friendly rusticity. Go east!
Serving Suggestions: Ground boar & venison cottage pie topped w/ scallopped potatoes & parsley. Pizza w/ briney nostralina or kalamata olives, ricotta, and arugula.
