Montepulciano

Reviews November 12, 2012

Saladini Pilastri “Vigna Monteprandone," Rosso Piceno Superiore, Marches, Italy.

Grapes 70% Montepulciano, 30% Sangiovese.   Facts “Excuse me…yes, hello! This is my first time in your wine store and I was wondering if you could help me. I read this review online today written by this delightful Englishman and I was hoping you know it. The wine is: Saladini Pilastri ‘Vigna Monteprandone,’ Rosso Piceno Superiore from Marches, Italy. Do you have it?”  The name of this wine doesn’t exactly roll off the tongue, now…

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Reviews October 18, 2012

Barba Vignafranca Montepulciano, Abruzzo, Italy.

Grapes 100% Montepulciano [Mawn-teh-pool-CHA-noh] I personally always make the point of pronouncing it in as ridiculously strong of an Italian accent as possible, with plenty of hand gestures (no matter where I am): Montepulciano!!!   Facts The first question I always end up answering about Montepulciano (as a grape) is: “What is it most similar to?” The best way I’ve found to describe Montepulciano is almost as a cross between Merlot and Chianti. The body…

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Reviews July 23, 2011

Gran Sasso Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

Grape 100% Montepulciano [Mawn-teh-pool-CHA-noh] It’s a fun grape to say, especially if you do so with a really bad Italian accent. Say it with me: “Montepulciano!!!” Facts I hope you’re paying attention, because this is going to get tricky for a second! This wine is made from the Montepulciano grape; however there is ALSO a town called Montepulciano in Tuscany, which as it happens is nowhere near the Abruzzo region where this wine hails from….

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News June 16, 2011

Gary Vaynerchuk’s Daily Grape Feature – Poliziano Vino Nobile di Montepulciano 2007

Wine: 2007 Poliziano Vino Nobile di Montepulciano  Grape: 100% Sangiovese Score: 91 Points Price: $25 MSRP   Gary’s explanation why: For all you longtime Italian fans out there, you very well know that about 10 years ago, Tuscan wines were as hot as Saved by the Bell. In the last few years, popularity has waned… not only are sales down, but prices have followed suit for many high end wines, especially in the Super Tuscan…

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Facts May 25, 2011

The Difference Between Chianti, Chianti Classico and Chianti Riserva

First-off, I don’t know where the above photo was taken, but once I find out I’m booking a plane ticket!!! So last night, I found myself hosting an informal wine class for a discerning group of tasters here in Jacksonville. The theme of the night was Tuscany, and so I decided to put a heavy emphasis on Chianti, as it goes without saying that it’s Italy’s most famous wine (possibly their most famous export). As…

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