This time of year can be busy time with lots of supplier portfolio tastings to attend with highlight always being the Liberty Wines event at the Balmoral Hotel. They’re a top importer and distributor of wines and one which I’ve used for my entire time as a wine merchant. They cover most regions around the globe however their forte and area of real speciality is without a doubt Italy. The buzz around the tables laden with Barolo, Brunello, Super Tuscans etc is always electric but with so much on tasting it’s important to root around some of the less hectic areas. One particular grower that interested me immensely was Farnese from Abruzzo. A relatively new grower to us which is why I was keen to taste through their range of wines. They were all a delight particularly The Farnese Fantini Montepulciano d’Abruzzo (£11). The vineyards are situated around the towns of Ortona, San Salvo and Pollutri on the Adriatic coast of the Abruzzo region. Facing south east, vines are planted on a mix of clay and limestone soils. This is all about red fruit: vibrant, fresh and expressive with elegant, soft tannins. It’s not the most complex wine but it’s not trying to be either. Very easy drinking and enjoyable – a perfect match for mid-week pasta.
http://oldlockett.making.me.uk/shop/farnese-fantini-montepulciano-dabruzzo/
