Tramonti Montepulciano 2005

Situated on Italy's central Adriatic coast, Abruzzo is famed for its deeply-coloured wines made from the Montepulciano grape. Much of it ends up being blended into bulk wines, but a vibrant spirit of innovation prevails among the smaller producers.

Scipione Giuliane at Tramonti - 'between the mountains' - is one such producer! Seizing the opportunity he decided to 'go it alone' and bottle his wine under his own estate label to allow the character of the grapes - grown on rugged, sun-soaked hills - to shine through.

And the very pleasant result is a rich, concentrated wine bursting with ripe cherry and plum. No oak here, so you get the full flavours of the fruit. Great with anti-pasti or roasted pork and sage.