Today we venture back to Abruzzo, east of Rome, to visit with La Valentina‘s latest releases, including its fresh pecorino and two different Montepulcianos from the region.

2019 La Valentina Pecorino IGT – This wine bursts out of the gate with notes of melon and sourish quince, with a light vanilla/cream soda note layered over the top. Gently sweet with a light layer of herbs and a grind of white pepper as it evolves, it finishes with a creamy, almost doughy character that cries out to be paired with a meal. B+ / $16

2017 La Valentina Montepulciano d’Abruzzo DOC – Surprisingly extracted, the 2017 standard-grade Montepulciano from La Valentina is full of jammy, almost pruny fruit, ultimately showing as a rather simple expression that ladles on notes of maraschino cherry and overripe plums. The finish is clean but lingers for a spell on sweeter elements, with a kiss of vanilla evident. B / $15

2016 La Valentina “Spelt” Montepulciano d’Abruzzo Riserva DOC – Earthy up front, with a pop of blueberry and spice that comes on soon after. A rolling and persistent forest floor note gives the wine a sense of austerity, though it comes up a bit short in the body department, with a slightly vegetal element on the finish. B+ / $25

lavalentina.it

2016 La Valentina "Spelt" Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Riserva DOC

$25

8.5

Rating

8.5/10