Famiglia de Cerchio Vulgaris Montepulciano 2022

This Abruzzo Montepulciano showcases the grape's distinctive earthy, meaty character that sets it apart from Tuscany's Sangiovese or Piedmont's Nebbiolo. The rustic nose reflects the region's traditional winemaking approach, while the clean, acid-driven palate demonstrates modern techniques. It's an excellent introduction to Montepulciano d'Abruzzo, offering the grape's signature combination of power and approachability that makes it perfect for those who enjoy Cabernet or Merlot blends.

Despite being a young 2022, this wine shows excellent cellaring potential thanks to its full-bodied structure and vibrant acidity. The clean, acid-driven palate acts as a natural preservative, allowing the wine to develop complexity over 5-8 years. However, it also has a wide drinking window, meaning you can enjoy it now for its fresh fruit character or age it to develop more tertiary flavours like leather and tobacco that complement its already earthy profile.

Luca Maroni is one of Italy's most respected wine critics, known for his rigorous scoring system that focuses on technical excellence and typicity. A 97-point score places this wine in exceptional territory, indicating it perfectly expresses Montepulciano's varietal character while showing outstanding balance and complexity. This rating, combined with its sustainable certification, suggests Famiglia de Cerchio has achieved remarkable quality at what appears to be an accessible price point through their March Mayhem promotion.

The wine's earthy, meaty character and oaky notes make it ideal for hearty Italian dishes like osso buco, wild boar ragu, or aged pecorino cheese. The smoky elements complement grilled meats beautifully, while the raspberry and raisin flavours provide enough fruit sweetness to balance rich tomato-based sauces. Its full-bodied structure can stand up to bold flavours, making it perfect for winter comfort foods or robust Mediterranean cuisine.

Yes, this wine ticks both boxes with its vegan-friendly certification and sustainable production methods. Many traditional wines use animal-derived fining agents like egg whites or isinglass, but this Montepulciano uses plant-based alternatives without compromising quality. The certified sustainable practices mean Famiglia de Cerchio employs environmentally responsible vineyard management, reducing chemical inputs and protecting the Abruzzo terroir that gives this wine its distinctive rustic character.