($27, Vintus):  Montepulciano d’Abruzzo has nothing to do with Vino Nobile di Montepulciano.  The former is a grape, the latter a village whose wines, curiously enough, are made from Sangiovese.   The quality and price of Montepulciano d’Abruzzo is vast, from thin swill to monumental wine, which makes it a mine field when selecting wines.  Masciarelli, one of the top producers, is a name you can trust.  This one, named after the founder’s wife, has a charming rusticity and good weight.  Not aggressive, this mid-weight wine combines black cherry nuances and spice, which makes it perfect for a sausage-based tomato sauce over pasta.
91 Michael Apstein Dec 15, 2020