Lidl, Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Riserva, Abruzzo, Italy, 2017

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo is the flagship wine of Italy's Abruzzo region, accounting for over 80% of its DOC production. The soft, round, full-bodied and juicy red wines are made from the Montepulciano grape which grows and ripens best in Italy’s southern half. Riserva bottlings such as this should combine the softness of the grape with extra structure and tannins from the longer ageing in oak. This isn't a complex example of the style, but there's a good weight of dark plum and cherry fruit, some cocoa softness and a toastiness from the oak. Fresh acidity helps the balance.