2019 Cascina del Colle - Montepulciano d'Abruzzo DOC Negus (750ml)

The 2019 Cascina del Colle Montepulciano d’Abruzzo DOC Negus presents the characteristic density and approachable tannic structure of the Abruzzo plateau in a standard 750ml format. Cultivated from native Montepulciano vines, the wine balances its naturally deep pigmentation with bright red fruit acids and a clean, stony finish.

Tasting notes center on ripe black cherry, crushed raspberry, and subtle violet, transitioning into secondary layers of tobacco leaf, dried oregano, and toasted almond. The mouthfeel sits in the medium to full category, supported by silky grain tannins that coat the palate without overwhelming it. Because the variety tends toward moderate alcohol and high extract, storing the bottle at 60–65 degrees Fahrenheit before pouring optimizes volatile aromatic compounds and sharpens the nose. A thirty-minute pour allows the wine to integrate, revealing deeper earth and leather nuances beneath the primary fruit.

Savory, protein-forward dishes stand up best to this red’s structural backbone. Lamb shanks braised with rosemary, chicken marsala, slow-simmered beef ragù, and pan-seared pork chops all mirror the wine’s herbal complexity and firm tannic grip. Aged pecorino romano or crumbled feta supplies a saline counterpoint that cuts through the richness, making dairy straightforward alternatives for lighter meals. Keep unopened bottles stored horizontally at stable room temperature away from direct sunlight to preserve cork elasticity until service.