Wine of the week: Caldora Montepulciano d’Abruzzo 2018

The Caldora Montepulciano d’Abruzzo is one more well-made, value-oriented Italian red

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, the red wine from central Italy, has been one of the saving graces for anyone who has been looking for quality cheap wine during the pandemic and the Trump wine tariff. The wines – and there seem to be an almost infinite number – remain well made, varietally correct, and a value.

The Caldora Montepulciano d’Abruzzo 2018 ($10, purchased, 13.5%) is no exception. The various reds from the Montepulciano d’Abruzzo region, made with the montepulciano grape, are typically softer than wines made with sangiovese, which is related to it. In this, they are the quintessential weeknight spaghetti and meatballs wine.

The Caldora, though, is a touch more sangiovese in style. This means less ripe red fruit and more tart cherry fruit and more acidic than other Montepulciano d’Abruzzo. It’s almost sour — but in a pleasant way.

It needs food, and that means something a bit richer – grilled sausages and peppers, perhaps?

Imported by Gonzalez Byass