Umani Ronchi Montepulciano d’Abruzzo Podere 2021

This one comes from the beautiful town of Abruzzo in Central Italy, nicknamed ‘the green region of Europe’ thanks to its three national parks, 38 protected areas and the numerous lakes and mountains scattered through the landscape. What used to be an overlooked area, is having a big resurgence, thanks in large part to wine lovers who view Abruzzo like the holy grail: big, juicy red wines at sensational prices.

Vinous’ recent article on the region reported the wines in Abruzzo “have never been better.” Certainly the same can be said about Umani Ronchi, a winery who for nearly 80 years has been dazzling the region with their Montelpulciano and Verdicchios, but lately has been making wines that most consider to be their finest to date.

Their new 2021 Podere Montepulciano d’Abruzzo is the latest installment in what has been a barrage of great wines that I’ve tried from the winery. Great Montepulciano is two things- it’s pure and it’s fresh. That’s what you have here. Spending only 4 months in stainless steel undergoing malolactic fermentation, this one comes out roaring with ripe, juicy fruit and a strong acid backbone. There’s nothing I wouldn’t pair it with – other than my morning Wheaties. Vinous called this one “a silky yet energetic effort that impresses with its purity and finesse. This is an easy case buy.