Wines Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Cirelli - La Collina Biologica - 2020

Cirelli “La Collina Biologica” Montepulciano d’Abruzzo 2020 is a beautiful representative of organic winemaking from the heart of Abruzzo, Italy. The wine, as its name suggests, originates from grapes grown according to biological (organic) principles, giving it an authentic and pure expression of the local terroir. While it is produced under the Montepulciano d’Abruzzo appellation, the precise blend is not detailed here, but typically these wines focus on the Montepulciano grape, known for yielding deep, richly coloured reds. Expect aromas and flavours leaning towards black cherry, plum, violet, and subtle earthy or herbal notes, often accompanied by moderate tannins and a pleasing freshness that brings balance to the ripe fruit flavours. The 2020 vintage was generally favourable, imparting good ripeness and structured complexity.

Abruzzo is located between the Apennine mountains and the Adriatic Sea, which gives the vineyards a temperate climate with warm days and cool nights – beneficial for the gradual ripening of the grapes. The soils in this region are typically a mixture of clay, limestone, and gravel, contributing structure and minerality to the final wine. Historically, Abruzzo has long been admired for its robust yet approachable reds, and more recently it has been at the forefront of the organic movement in Italian viticulture.

This style of Montepulciano d’Abruzzo pairs excellently with rustic Italian fare. Think roasted lamb or slow-braised beef in tomato sauce as the tannins and acidity will complement the richness of the meat. Traditional Abruzzese dishes like arrosticini (grilled lamb skewers) or pasta alla chitarra with a hearty ragù would harmonise perfectly. Vegetarian options such as baked aubergine with parmesan or lentil stew also make wonderful partnerships, letting the wine’s fruit and herbal notes shine.

For optimal enjoyment, serve this wine at around 16-18°C. Decanting it for about half an hour before serving will help open up its bouquet and soften its tannins, allowing the complexity and vibrancy of this organic Montepulciano d’Abruzzo to be fully appreciated.