What kind of wine is Montepulciano d'Abruzzo DOC 'Lupaia' 2019 - Castorani?
Montepulciano d'Abruzzo DOC 'Lupaia' 2019 - Castorani is a red wine with great personality, an authentic expression of the Montepulciano grape variety and the Abruzzo territory. It is made from selected grapes from Castorani's vineyards, located between the Adriatic Sea and the slopes of Maiella, an area that gives the wine a perfect balance between freshness and structure. It is a red wine with a decisive yet harmonious character, full-bodied and with a balanced structure, ideal for those seeking an intense yet approachable wine.
Vintage Details
The 2019 vintage was characterized by a balanced climate, with a good diurnal temperature range that favored slow and even grape ripening. This condition allowed for a Montepulciano d'Abruzzo with a clear and concentrated aromatic profile, with ripe tannins and a pleasant softness on the palate.
Winemaking and aging
The winemaking process for Montepulciano d'Abruzzo DOC 'Lupaia' 2019 - Castorani involves traditional fermentation with long maceration on the skins, useful for extracting color and aromas. Subsequently, the wine ages "sur lies," meaning on its lees, a practice that enriches its complexity and roundness. Aging continues for 12 months in concrete tanks and an additional 12 months in oak barrels, where the wine develops elegance and aromatic depth.
Tasting Notes
Montepulciano d'Abruzzo DOC 'Lupaia' 2019 - Castorani is a generous red wine, captivating with its intensity and perfect balance between structure and pleasantness.
Color
It presents a deep ruby red color with violet reflections, indicating youth and concentration. Its full and bright hue anticipates the richness found on the nose and palate.
Aroma
On the nose, it is complex and inviting: aromas of small ripe red fruits such as cherry and blackberry emerge, followed by notes of sweet spices, licorice, and light toasted nuances due to oak aging. The bouquet is harmonious, without excess, refined, and well-balanced.
Taste
On the palate, it is full and enveloping, with soft and smooth tannins that support a robust yet balanced structure. The freshness is good, giving impetus to the sip, and its remarkable long finish, where sensations of ripe fruit and light spices return. A wine that impresses with its elegance and drinkability, perfect even for those new to more structured red wines.
What dishes to pair with Montepulciano d'Abruzzo DOC 'Lupaia' 2019 - Castorani
Thanks to its versatility, this Montepulciano pairs perfectly with numerous Italian dishes. Ideal with rich but not excessively elaborate preparations, it gracefully accompanies red meats and dishes with aromatic sauces.
- Pasta with meat ragù or sausage
- Roasted or grilled beef main courses
- Aged hard cheeses
- Typical Abruzzese dishes such as arrosticini or stews
A perfect wine also for convivial dinners, capable of enhancing traditional flavors without overpowering them.
Storage and aging: how to store Montepulciano d'Abruzzo DOC 'Lupaia' 2019 - Castorani
To best preserve the qualities of Montepulciano d'Abruzzo DOC 'Lupaia' 2019 - Castorani, it is advisable to store it in a cool, dark place with a constant temperature around 14-16°C. The bottle should be kept horizontally, to keep the cork moist and ensure a perfect seal over time.
This wine has an interesting aging potential: it can evolve harmoniously for 5-8 years, developing more complex and softer aromas. Perfect to drink now, but capable of offering even richer emotions with a few years of rest in the cellar.
Castorani
The history of the Castorani winery The Castorani winery boasts a history that intertwines tradition, heritage, and innovation, situated in the heart of Abruzzo. Founded in 1793, the winery has managed to keep ancient winemaking practices alive while gradually incorporating modern technologies t...