Need something cheap to share, but that will go with almost any sort of food?  Montepulciano d’Abruzzo offers a fantastic option that’s loaded with fruit, earth, lots of acidity and a moderate tannic structure that can compliment a meal.  As food friendly wine goes, Montepulciano is the sort of wine that can develop anyone’s appetite.  Bosco Del Cirmioli Montepulciano d’Abruzzo has even more to love in its magnum bottle, but does it earn a place for the holidays or your next Italian night?

Sight:  Moderate to lighter purple with an orangish red toward the edges.

Smell:  Bright red cherries, earthy notes of chocolate and fresh soil, and hints of clove and black pepper.  Earthy notes a driving force for the nose.

Sip:  Super bright, and packed with notes of potting soil, farm yard, and cocoa, it begs for food right off the start.  There are sour cherries, red plums, and cranberries that counterbalance.  The body is between light to moderate, and the texture is rather pointed.

Savor:  Matching up with the acidity is a gentle reminder of tannins, with a small to medium grain that give a hint of dryness toward the end.  Flavors wash out from cranberry, and fade quickly.

Bosco Del Cirmioli Montepulciano d’Abruzzo is a huge bottle, which makes it not only good value, but perfect for sharing.  Given how much this wine is dying for food, then the large format isn’t a bad choice.  For pasta nights, this is a great pairing, although it’s not as refined as a Chianti Classico.  As an old school rustic wine, Bosco Del Cirmioli Montepulciano d’Abruzzo has a lot of value to offer as a magnum under $10.

Verdict:  Rustic, Farmyard, Bright, Sour Cherry
Price: $9 for a $1.5L
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, Italy DOC