Wines Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Podere Castorani - Cadetto - 2021

Podere Castorani's Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Cadetto 2021 is a characterful red wine hailing from the celebrated Abruzzo region of central Italy. While the precise blend of the 'Cuvée Cadetto' is not explicitly detailed, Montepulciano d'Abruzzo wines typically rely on the Montepulciano grape, which is valued for its deep colour, vibrant fruit character, and accessible structure. The 2021 vintage suggests a relatively youthful offering, likely to display lively aromas of dark berries, violets, and perhaps a touch of spice or earthy undertone. The vinification at Podere Castorani often focuses on preserving the fruit profile and delivering a balanced expression, making the wine pleasantly drinkable while still holding depth and regional typicity.

Abruzzo’s viticultural history is deeply rooted, with wine production tracing back centuries. The region is framed by the Apennine mountains to the west and the Adriatic Sea to the east, which combine to create a favourable climate: warm summer days are tempered by cool mountain breezes and maritime influences, allowing for the slow ripening of grapes. The region’s soils, a mix of clay, limestone, and gravel, provide excellent drainage and contribute to the structure of the wines. Historically, Abruzzo has built a reputation as a source of robust, honest wines, with Montepulciano d'Abruzzo standing as perhaps its most famous export.

This style of red wine pairs wonderfully with many classic Italian dishes, as well as local Abruzzese cuisine. Think of rustic pasta with rich tomato sauces, lamb ragù, grilled sausages, or aged pecorino cheese. Its ripeness and moderate tannins also make it a perfect companion to hearty stews or a simple platter of charcuterie and crusty bread.

For optimal enjoyment, serve this wine slightly below room temperature, ideally between 16 and 18°C. A brief period in a decanter can help open up the youthful fruit and aromatic profile, revealing all the lovely nuances that the Abruzzo terroir has to offer.