Wine of the Week Carletto Montepulciano d'Abruzzo 2020

Carletto Montepulciano d'Abruzzo 2020 is a red wine from the Abruzzo region of Italy. It is part of the Carletto line, created by Armando De Zan, the owner of Candoni De Zan Wines, to honor his beloved uncle and role model, who was a renowned agronomist with a passion for uncovering authentic native Italian vines. The wine is named after his uncle, who was awarded the title "Cavaliere del Lavoro" for his outstanding work in viticulture.

Winemaker Notes: The wine is described as ruby red in color with bold, inviting aromas of cherries and spices that burst from the glass. On the palate, it offers a fine, fresh, and well-orchestrated taste experience. The wine is crafted to embody the classic Italian taste, allowing consumers to savor the authentic flavors of the Abruzzo region.

Wine Composition: Montepulciano d'Abruzzo is the primary red grape variety in the region, and it is known for producing wines in two distinct styles. The first is a quaffable, rustic, and fruity style that is best enjoyed young. The second is a more serious style where oak aging tames its wild fruit, resulting in wines with greater complexity and aging potential. Apart from Montepulciano, the region also grows the white grape variety, Trebbiano, which can produce simple and fruity whites or, when meticulously tended, complex and long-lived white wines.

The Region:  Abruzzo region in Italy is located halfway up the "boot" and faces the stunning Adriatic Sea to the east. It's surrounded by the beautiful Apennine Mountains to the west. Interestingly, even though it looks like it's centrally located on a map, it's historically been considered part of the southern territory. Wine production is mainly found in the areas bordering the Marche to the north and Molise to the south, as well as the terrain below the Apennine Mountains. And let's not forget about the Montepulciano grape varietal, which has been thriving in the Abruzzo region since the 18th century.

Greg's Review: The 2020 Carletto Montepulciano d'Abruzzo is available for purchase at various locations, including Wine.com and K&L Wine Merchants. Wine-Searcher lists several locations with inventory available for this wine. Unfortunately, there are no critic scores available for this specific vintage at the time of the information provided but you can purchase the bottle for $11.99 from Wines.com which, is our opinion is a great buy for the value and drinks more like a $27-$32 bottle IMOP. 

It is worth noting that the 2020 vintage was challenging due to the impact of the Covid pandemic, which affected various aspects of the wine industry, including picking, tastings, and sales. Despite these challenges, some regions managed to perform well, while others faced difficulties.

Conclusion: Carletto Montepulciano d'Abruzzo 2020 offers wine enthusiasts an opportunity to explore the authentic flavors of the Abruzzo region through a well-crafted and inviting red wine. With its bold aromas of cherries and spices and a fine, fresh palate, it aims to deliver the classic Italian taste. Whether enjoyed in its youthful and fruity style or aged to showcase its complexity, this wine is a tribute to the viticultural work of Uncle Carletto and the passion for elevating regional Italian varieties.

Armando De Zan, owner of Candoni De Zan Wines and other prestigious brands, has created the Carletto line to honor his beloved uncle and role model. Uncle Carletto was awarded the title "Cavaliere del Lavoro," or "Commander of the Order for Merit Recognition," for his outstanding viticultural work. He was a very well-known agronomist with a passion for uncovering the most authentic native Italian vines. He sought to elevate the status of several regional varieties, including Prosecco and Pinot Grigio from Veneto. With every glass of Carletto Wines you will experience the Classsic Italian Taste. Check out their solution over at Wines.com for more examples from this producer.

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