Terrana Montepuliciano d'Abruzzo DOC-C339

After all these years it still remains a mystery how Elena Nicodemi manages to coax so much complexity from her Montepulciano. No doubt the gorgeous amphitheatre of vineyards in the heart of the Colline Teramane helps, but it is her deft hand in the cellar that really does the heavy lifting. This is a proper little wine that showcases the picture-perfect 2025 vintage (on the Adriatic coast, at least) to great effect. The signature notes of Bovril, cocoa powder, black pepper and ink are reminiscent of Barossa Shiraz. Youthful, with firm but perfectly ripe tannins and more than a little acidity, this is a terrific wine for the money. The finish rolls on confidently, with notes of baked cherry, meat, cocoa nibs, incense and iodine, all speaking of a wine punching way, way above its weight. 2027-2030 – MP.