The Wines on Wednesday

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo is one of the most popular Italian red wines, and amongst the cheapest in most Italian restaurants and supermarkets. Most of these are drinkable with soft easy fruits and no hard tannins. But spend a little more and you will find some very good wines. I tasted these three wines at a trade tasting earlier this week. All stood out as offering great value for money.

Lupi Reali Montepulciano d’Abruzzo 2022, Organic
€13.75

Light, juicy and so easy to drink with fresh black cherries and an attractive earthy touch. The perfect midweek wine and a steal at this price.

From Wines on the Green, Dawson St., celticwhiskeyshop.com; Nolans, Clontarf; McHughs, Kilbarrack & Malahide Road; O’ Driscolls off licence, Cahersiveen.

Valle Reale Montepulicano d’Abruzzo 2022, Organic
€22.50

Made by the same producer as the Lupi Reali above, this is a big step up. Concentrated dark cherry fruit, good acidity and some very well integrated tannins on the finish. This has real grip and styler.

From Wines on the Green, Dawson St, celticwhiskeyshop.com; Nolans, Clontarf; McHughs, Kilbarrack & Malahide Road; O’ Driscolls off licence, Cahersiveen.

Malandrino Montepulciano d’Abruzzo 2022 Cataldi Madonna

From one of the finest producers in the region a seductive silky smooth wine packed with rich dark fruits and a lovely lingering finish.

From Avoca; Blackrock Cellar; Deveney’s Dundrum; Drink Store, Stoneybatter; McHugh’s off licences; Redmonds, Ranelagh; Sweeney’s, D3; The Corkscrew, D2; Thomas’s of Foxrock.