What kind of wine is Montepulciano d’Abruzzo Terre di Casauria Riserva DOC “San Clemente” 2019 - Zaccagnini

The Montepulciano d’Abruzzo Terre di Casauria Riserva DOC “San Clemente” 2019 - Zaccagnini is a structured, elegant red wine that represents the Abruzzese winemaking tradition. It is made from selected Montepulciano grapes from the company's vineyards in the Casauria area, a hilly region that yields grapes with a strong character and rich nuances. This is a Riserva, meaning a wine with more body and complexity than a basic Montepulciano d'Abruzzo, resulting from a long aging process and careful attention at every stage of production.

Vintage Details

The 2019 vintage is characterized by balanced climatic conditions that favored a slow and complete ripening of the grapes. The warm, sunny days, combined with temperature excursions between day and night, allowed for healthy and concentrated grapes, rich in fruity aromas and ripe tannins. The result is a harmonious wine, powerful yet balanced, perfectly representative of the vintage.

Winemaking and aging

The winemaking process for the Montepulciano d’Abruzzo Terre di Casauria Riserva DOC “San Clemente” 2019 - Zaccagnini takes place in large wooden vats, where the must ferments at a controlled temperature to preserve its aromatic complexity. Maceration, the contact between the skins and the must, lasts long enough to extract color, aromas, and structure. This is followed by a long aging period of at least 15 months in oak barriques, which helps to round out the tannins and impart elegant spicy notes. Further rest in the bottle completes the work, resulting in a harmonious wine ready to delight.

Tasting Notes

The Montepulciano d’Abruzzo Terre di Casauria Riserva DOC “San Clemente” 2019 - Zaccagnini is a wine of great expressiveness and depth, which interprets the essence of Abruzzese reds with modern style.

Color

Visually, it presents an intense ruby red with garnet reflections, a sign of its aging and fruit concentration.

Nose

The aroma is broad and complex: initial notes of ripe black cherry and dried plum emerge, followed by delicate balsamic, vanilla, and spicy nuances due to its time in wood. A bouquet that evolves in the glass and invites tasting.

Taste

On the palate, it is full, warm, and enveloping. The tannins are present but polished, a sign of perfect ripeness. The sip is balanced between freshness and softness, with a long finish that recalls the fruity and spicy sensations perceived on the nose. A robust wine, yet always elegant and consistent with the Zaccagnini philosophy.

Food Pairings for Montepulciano d’Abruzzo Terre di Casauria Riserva DOC “San Clemente” 2019 - Zaccagnini

This Montepulciano pairs perfectly with flavorful and structured dishes. It is ideal with:

• Grilled or braised red meats
• Roasted lamb or game
• Aged cheeses and strong-flavored pecorino cheeses
• Pasta with ragù, lasagna, and traditional Abruzzese recipes

Also perfect as a meditation wine, to be savored slowly to appreciate every nuance.

Storage and Aging: How to store Montepulciano d’Abruzzo Terre di Casauria Riserva DOC “San Clemente” 2019 - Zaccagnini

To best preserve the Montepulciano d’Abruzzo Terre di Casauria Riserva DOC “San Clemente” 2019 - Zaccagnini, it is advisable to keep it in a cool environment, with a constant temperature of around 14-16°C, away from direct light sources and vibrations. The bottle should be placed horizontally to keep the cork moist and preserve the wine's integrity.

Thanks to its structure and long aging, this is a wine with excellent aging potential: it can be left to rest in the cellar for 8-10 years, developing even more complex aromas and an extraordinary roundness in taste.