Farnese Montepulciano D'Abruzzo Colline Teremane 2005

  A double whammy of disappointment this week as not only did I have to miss wine club on Monday but it was also Italian night but thanks to Bren who kindly dropped myself and Ruth over the remains of all 15 reds tasted on the night all was not lost.

 Difficult to choose a favourite to be honest but really loved this top class Montepulciano. From the Abruzzo region, on the leg of Italy, this is Farnese's star wine and is only made in good years from carefully selected Montepulciano grapes. Aged for a total of 16 months in oak, 10 in barriques and a further 4 in barrell and from the best Montepulciano growing region in Abruzzo which in 2003 gaind the prestigious DOCG  appellation.

Did not get around to trying it till the Wednesday so at that stage had been opened 2 nights but still had a delicious fruit filled nose of dark plums with a touch of sweet dried fruits yet an earthiness underneath. Really smooth with a delicious velvety mouth, dry, well structured red with a complex spicy finish. Stood up really well with the coq au vin I'd made with the remains of the tasting bottles from the night before which I didn't expect as Montepulciano can often result in a lighter style of Italian red which would be swallowed up by this flavoursome dish.  Dinner guest, Liam, even went in for seconds despite it being a school night and even the lumpy mash seemed to be forgiven.

Sells for about €16.99 and due into us next week.
Till Next Time
Clare