2023 Montepulciano d'Abruzzo, Il Faggio

• Style: Crisp, structured red
• Taste: Dark cherry, plum, black pepper, soft tannins
• Food: Roasted lamb, grilled meat, braised beef, aged cheese
• Occasion: Weeknight
• Serve: 13.5% ABV, screwcap, room temperature or lightly chilled

In the Glass — Tasting Notes

A deep ruby red that tastes fresher than its weight suggests. Dark plums and cherries arrive first, followed by black pepper spice and a whisper of chocolate, all underpinned by ripe, approachable tannins that settle soft on the finish. This is a wine that bridges rustic power and everyday drinkability—structured grip with bright, mineral length.

The Winery — Il Faggio

Crafted by Alana McGettigan at one of northern Abruzzo's finest cooperatives, this wine was built to capture what Montepulciano does best: deep colour and structured grip, paired with a lift and freshness seldom found in the region. The 2023 vintage delivered a warm harvest managed with precision, with early picking preserving brightness where lesser winemaking might have chased ripeness alone. Vines grow on Guyot training at 100–150 metres, where cooling sea influence and altitude work in harmony.

At Your Table — Food Pairing & Serving

Roasted lamb is the natural partner—those tannins and acidity were born for meat fat and char—but don't overlook grilled chicken, braised beef, stews, game, or aged hard cheeses like Parmesan and Asiago. At 13.5% ABV, the wine carries body without heat fatigue, making it perfect for weeknight suppers and roast dinners alike. Both vegetarian and vegan, it asks no apologies. This is the kind of red that rewards a second glass, and one of the finest examples of Abruzzo we've found at this price. If you're exploring our broader Italy selection, the rest of our Abruzzo collection sits ready to discover—each offering a different answer to making a red wine that tastes like where it comes from.