Montepulciano d’Abruzzo 2003 Cataldi Madonna
Some believe that the vineyards owned by the Cataldi Madonna estate in Abruzzo are among the most ancient growing sites in the Montepulciano d’Abruzzo appellation. There is no doubt that Etruscans, Greeks, and Romans tended vines there in the shadow of the Gran Sasso d’Italia, Italy’s highest mountain south of the Apennines. The southern facing slopes (at just under 400 meters a.s.l.) offer ideal exposure while the cool winds coming down from the mountain ventilate the vines, thus reducing risk of rot and mildew. The calcareous-clay subsoil provides excellent drainage, thus stressing the vines and creating richer fruit.
Cataldi Madonna’s single-vineyard Tonì is the winery’s top cru: the winery uses traditional-style vinification for this wine but also employs some barrique aging to create a wine judiciously modern in style. Look for rich flavors of cherry, tobacco, and spice and structured tannins that give way to a rich, lingering finish. A fantastic pairing for wintry stews and roast meats.
