Cataldi Madonna
Malandrino Montepulciano d'Abruzzo
Abruzzi, Italy
The 2020 Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Malandrino gets an official “wow” from the first tilt of the glass as violets and lavender give way to crushed blackberries, blueberries and hints of sweet spice. This is elegance personified, with a juicy core of acidity that enlivens its near-velvety textures and wild berry fruits. It finishes lightly structured, concentrated and long yet perfumed, making the 2020 a pleasure today, but also capable of medium-term cellaring. This is another outstanding vintage of Montepulciano Malandrino which, for all of its depth, has been refined completely in stainless steel tank since the 2012 vintage. (Eric Guido, Vinous, October 2022)
The 2020 Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Malandrino gets an official “wow” from the first tilt of the glass as violets and lavender give way to crushed blackberries, blueberries and hints of sweet spice. This is elegance personified, with a juicy core of acidity that enlivens its near-velvety textures and wild berry fruits. It finishes lightly structured, concentrated and long yet perfumed, making the 2020 a pleasure today, but also capable of medium-term cellaring. This is another outstanding vintage of Montepulciano Malandrino which, for all of its depth, has been refined completely in stainless steel tank since the 2012 vintage. (Eric Guido, Vinous, October 2022)
The 2017 Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Malandrino is pretty and poised in the glass, leading off with mineral-laced cherry and blueberry, earthy mineral tones and hints of animal muskiness. It soothes the palate with silky textures, while cool-toned red berries with a salty-savory twang of acid adds tension. This closes long and pure, with hints of grippy tannins balancing its ripe fruit persona, as the mouth waters for another sip. Well done. (Eric Guido, Vinous, April 2021)
The 2017 Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Malandrino is pretty and poised in the glass, leading off with mineral-laced cherry and blueberry, earthy mineral tones and hints of animal muskiness. It soothes the palate with silky textures, while cool-toned red berries with a salty-savory twang of acid adds tension. This closes long and pure, with hints of grippy tannins balancing its ripe fruit persona, as the mouth waters for another sip. Well done. (Eric Guido, Vinous, April 2021)
Had the 15 vintage at the same restaurant 90 weeks ago (Delectable dates crack me up, LOL), and the ‘16 is very consistent with the previous vintage. Great with Italian fare.
Had the 15 vintage at the same restaurant 90 weeks ago (Delectable dates crack me up, LOL), and the ‘16 is very consistent with the previous vintage. Great with Italian fare.
Aug 9th, 2019
Black fruit, licorice, dried herb. Background menthol and clove. Med+ acid, med- body, but the finish is there.
Black fruit, licorice, dried herb. Background menthol and clove. Med+ acid, med- body, but the finish is there.
Feb 2nd, 2018Perfect lunch time quaffer. First time I tried the Montepulciano grape. Opened up nicely to be smooth and subtle.
Perfect lunch time quaffer. First time I tried the Montepulciano grape. Opened up nicely to be smooth and subtle.
Nov 10th, 2017
Our final lunch in Rome. A reasonably robust Monty. Medium bodied with grainy earthy tannins and a little astringency to finish off.
Our final lunch in Rome. A reasonably robust Monty. Medium bodied with grainy earthy tannins and a little astringency to finish off.
Oct 28th, 2017Fruity but appropriately so. Great texture
Fruity but appropriately so. Great texture
1 person found it helpfulNov 1st, 2015So handsome! Not too overwhelming. Solid and delicious without being too heavy.
So handsome! Not too overwhelming. Solid and delicious without being too heavy.
1 person found it helpfulMar 6th, 2015
Dark purple in color. Wet clove and spice mingles with dark fruit on the nose. Plums, chocolate covered blueberries, and tart black cherries and a warmth that I can only describe as a fig newton. A great example of what you look for in a Montepulciano.
Dark purple in color. Wet clove and spice mingles with dark fruit on the nose. Plums, chocolate covered blueberries, and tart black cherries and a warmth that I can only describe as a fig newton. A great example of what you look for in a Montepulciano.
Oct 12th, 2016