Lot 874 2020 Montepulciano D’Abruzzo
Lot 874 2020 Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, according to Wine Spectator, has had plenty of praise (and excellent scores) for the boutique, family-run winery behind it—going so far as to call them out as a “recommended” Italian producer. After tasting this 2020 Abruzzo red, we’re in total agreement (in fact, if anything Spectator might have undersold this producer!)
Montepulciano from Southern Italy should be bold before all else, and this red fits that bill perfectly. For all of its boldness, however, this red stays almost effortless on the palate, inviting sip after sip, and glass after glass (you’re going to want more than one bottle; an open bottle of Lot 874 won’t stay full for very long). The producer also had extensive experience creating big reds in northeastern Italy, and that experience pays off in spades here.
Lot 874 was carefully crafted from the source family’s 100% Montepulciano grapes and offers a robust, warm-hearted glassful of black fruit, all topped off with a mineral-richness like crushed graphite complemented by smoky clove and toasty oak. If you’re planning on putting a roast in the oven, Lot 874 is your wine!
Dark ruby red in color, this is a quintessential Italian red wine with classic aromas of cherry, cranberry, wild herbs, loads of graphite, dried rose petals, cedar, and clove. Fresh and energetic with a medium-bodied palate feel, leading with juicy blackberry, vanilla-kissed cherry, and notes of flaky milk chocolate. There’s ample acidity here balanced by fine, satiny tannins and a long mineral-driven finish. Tremendously enjoyable and perhaps a bit too easy to drink.
Watch as Katy Smith, Director of International Wines for VWE walks us through a tasting.