Torre Zambra Colle Maggio Riserva Montepulciano d'Abruzzo 2018 750ml

The wines then mature for six months in concrete vats, and the part of them destined to become Reserve is left for a further fifteen months in French and Slavonian oak tonneaux (precisely 40% in first-passage oak and 60% in second-passage), followed by six months in the bottle.

Its deep, inky red colour will seduce you, inspiring calm and reflection. The refined nose profile hints at autumn leaves and ripe fruit unfolding to reveal raspberry and spices, with notes of coffee, tobacco and cocoa powder in the finale. The wine is full-bodied and well-structured but never aggressive, with the time spent in the wood adding a hint of spice in the close, and the note of cocoa powder accentuating and underscoring the roundness and a stunning balance. Calf filet with crispy bacon in Montepulciano sauce is highly recommended.

92 Points James Suckling

Rich black fruit and smoky oak on the nose and palate. Full-Bodied with well-integrated tannins and a medium finish. Not overly complex and nice to drink now. Should cellar a while, too.