Montepulciano

The 9.0 rating is based upon this wine's perfection in Italian food pairing. Tonight's offering compliments black truffled tomato pesto gemeli to perfection. Tart cherried nose and palate cuts the oil and balances the strength of the truffle. Simbiotically, the sauce bolsters the wine and adds perceived boldness of body.

2 hours decanting minimum recommended. Blackberry, coffee and a little bret on the nose. Full berry tobacco and tannins followed with a bitey lengthy finish. A fighter! Atypical for montepulciano, a great disguise and perfect for a blind tasting to surprise a winey crowd. Pair with a mild gorgonzola cheese; the intensity of the aged bleu cheese I paired overpowered the wine, but was matching in the complememtary flavor palate.