Estate Grown Montepulciano d'Abruzzo

This wine shows up medium ruby in the glass, and offers as intriguing a nose as you are likely to find in a ten dollar wine. Cherries, blueberries and blackberries meet oak spice, with a hint of chocolate and a blast of smoke to boot. The flavor is fruity and delightful, with a decent set of tannins and good acidity.

The nose on this Italian wine is a bit fuzzy at first, but the cherries and blackberries are there, along with a strong initial whiff of chocolate. It's medium-ruby in color and offers cherry, black cherry and a hint of raspberry on the palate. Tannins are reasonable, if not very firm, and the acidity is very refreshing. I snacked it with a hard Italian cheese, the name of which escapes me. Pair it with meat or tomato sauce dishes and you'll be fine.