Friday 23 December 2011

Villa Medoro Montepulciano d'Abruzzo 2009

Last week I had a conversation with a winemaker about wine styles and we got onto the subject of how Australia should make some of the Italian varieties.  His point of view was that it is too difficult to sell wine with tannin so we should treat all varieties like Shiraz.  To say I was a little disappointed would be an understatement. As the numbers for Italian wines, a lot of their wines possess huge tannin structures, are in the biggest growth area in Australia, I would say that people are calling out for added texture and structure.  Furthermore, if a variety has thick skins and would normally show tannin why not harvest the natural qualities of the variety? Why not increase the diversity within Australian wines?

Villa Medoro Montepulciano d'Abruzzo 2009

Oh boy oh boy this is a dirty little number as the main stay of the wine is dirt or potting mix.  There are moments of spice, roasted meats and dark cherries intermixed with a lovely acid structure that runs right along the wine and then the tannins kick in. They are like James Bond in that they are very seductive and enchanting and you know that you are on track for an action packed ride.  This wine is highly drinkable and oozes juiciness even if it is a little sour. In fact I love that sour mid-palate! I want more. This would be in line for a top three finish for the bargain of the year.

Alcohol: 13.5%
Price: $30
Rated: 92+
Drink: Now -2018
Importer: Mediterraneo Wines

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