Montepulciano D'Abruzzo 2015 Colle Morino, Barba

Montepulciano D'Abruzzo never tasted so classy. Normally we think of Montepulciano as an easy to like, fruit forward red with simple appeal. At Barba they take this Italian classic and raise it to a new level. Their estate includes 500 acres of vines situated on south-facing hillsides overlooking the Adriatic sea. The vines are densely planted and carefully managed to reduce yields. Hiring Consulting Enologist Stephano Chioccioli to bring his vast experience creating 90-100 point wines all around Italy was the final touch. He ages this specially selected Montepulciano named for the vine-covered hills, in oak barriques for just four months. This rounds out the wine and gives it complexity so it shows black plum fruit, smoke, licorice, earthiness, tar and black cherries. There's classic toasted almond character on the nose and it's full-bodied with silky texture, medium tannins and a long finish. A STEAL for the price!