La Quercia Montepulciano d'Abruzzo

A “true blue,” grizzled farmer-type, winemaker Antonio Lamona is both utterly likeable and totally invested in his wines. Although his father also grew grapes, Antonio is the first in the family to bottle his own and, beginning in the late sixties, began cultivating vines that are entirely organic. As Antonio says, “I would rather forgo an entire vintage than put man-made pesticides in my soil.”

This Montepulciano is a great example of what can happen when you match low-yield expertise with a prolific varietal, and constantly cut, cut, cut back the vines. With ripe, dark plum and a hint of smoke, this stunning affordable from Abruzzo is a true crowd pleaser. Farmed organically and picked by hand, it takes zero shortcuts. Round, medium-bodied, and flowing with notes of ripe dark cherry, mocha, dried thyme, and orange zest, this is juicy and pleasing on the palate.