Montepulciano d'Abruzzo DOC Organic

The Montepulciano D’Abruzzo DOC BIO comes from Palazzo Centofanti, an organic winery in Giuliano Teatino, nestled in the hills of Chieti province in Abruzzo. Montepulciano d'Abruzzo is the region's most important red grape variety — a thick-skinned grape, rich in color and polyphenols, which finds an ideal climate in these hills between the Apennines and the Adriatic: warm summers, nocturnal temperature excursions that preserve acidity and aromas, and clay soils that provide structure. The grapes are harvested manually in the second half of October, when the vine reaches its full maturity.

The winemaking is respectful and precise: fermentation with skins and extended maceration at controlled temperatures, complete extraction of the must with soft presses, aging in stainless steel tanks, and then 6 months in bottle before release. This process prioritizes aromatic clarity and fruit integrity over wood intervention.

It presents a brilliant ruby red color with violet reflections. On the nose, ripe cherry, black cherry, small red fruits, floral notes, and a touch of spice. On the palate, it is full-bodied, soft, with well-integrated tannins and a persistence that invites another taste.

Grape variety: Montepulciano d’Abruzzo 100% | Vintage: 2024 | Alcohol: 12.5% | Format: 0.75 l
Serving temperature: 18–20°C
Winemaking: Fermentation with skins and extended maceration at controlled temperature. Complete extraction with soft presses. Aging in stainless steel + 6 months in bottle.

Recommended for

For those who love Italian reds with character and want to discover organic Montepulciano d'Abruzzo in its most genuine version — no wood, no tricks, just fruit and terroir. This is the right bottle for those seeking a versatile table red, with structure but not heavy, suitable for both an informal dinner and a more elaborate meal.

When to drink it

It is already enjoyable today thanks to 6 months in bottle, but it has the characteristics to evolve well over the next 3-5 years. It does not require decanting, but an hour of opening before serving enhances its aromas. Serve at 18–20°C.

Taste characteristics

A full-bodied and soft Montepulciano d'Abruzzo, in which the richness of the fruit — ripe cherry, black cherry, red fruits — integrates with well-integrated tannins and a freshness that balances the structure. Aging in steel preserves aromatic clarity without imparting woody notes. The finish is persistent and invites another taste.

Why we chose this wine

Because Palazzo Centofanti's Montepulciano tells the story of Abruzzo with sincerity — organic, hand-harvested in late October, winemaking that respects the fruit. The choice to age in steel instead of wood is a deliberate decision: to preserve the freshness and aromatic clarity of Montepulciano without homogenizing it. We propose it as the benchmark Abruzzese red in our selection.

FAQ

What dishes pair well with Montepulciano d'Abruzzo BIO?
Cured meats, pasta with meat ragù, Abruzzese arrosticini, roast lamb, aged cheeses. Its structure also makes it suitable for more elaborate dishes such as porchetta or wild boar stew.

Why are the grapes harvested in late October?
Montepulciano is a late-ripening grape variety — harvesting it in the second half of October ensures full phenolic ripeness, with mature and soft tannins and optimal aromatic concentration. An earlier harvest would yield a greener and more astringent wine.

Why is it aged in steel and not in wood?
The choice of steel preserves the aromatic freshness and fruit clarity of Montepulciano, without adding vanilla or spice notes imparted by wood. It is a winemaking approach that focuses on the varietal and territorial identity of the wine.

Is it a certified organic wine?
Yes. Palazzo Centofanti is a certified organic winery in Giuliano Teatino, in the province of Chieti. No synthetic pesticides are used in the vineyard.