2022 Tenuta Ulisse Amaranta Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, Abruzzo

Tenuta Ulisse has become one of modern Italy's great success stories. Founded by brothers Antonio and Luigi Ulisse in the late 1990s, the winery helped transform perceptions of Abruzzo by combining innovative viticulture with meticulous winemaking. Based between the Adriatic coast and the Apennine Mountains, the estate works with some of the region's finest vineyards, producing wines that consistently deliver richness, purity and outstanding value. Amaranta sits at the top of the range and has become one of Abruzzo's most recognised and awarded expressions of Montepulciano.

The vineyards benefit from a unique combination of warm Mediterranean sunshine and cooling mountain influences. These conditions allow Montepulciano to achieve full ripeness while retaining freshness and balance. Low yielding vines, careful fruit selection and maturation in French oak contribute to a wine of impressive concentration and polish, while preserving the variety's naturally generous character.

Deep, almost opaque ruby red in colour, the bouquet is immediately captivating with aromas of black cherry, blackberry and ripe plum layered with notes of dark chocolate, vanilla and sweet spice. As the wine opens, hints of liquorice, tobacco and espresso emerge, adding further depth. Full bodied and velvety, the palate delivers waves of dark berry fruit, blackcurrant and cocoa supported by silky tannins and beautifully integrated oak. Despite its richness, a thread of freshness keeps the wine balanced and vibrant. The finish is long, smooth and luxurious, lingering with notes of dark fruit, mocha and spice.

This is a superb match for slow braised beef cheeks, grilled ribeye, lamb shanks, rich mushroom ragù or aged Pecorino cheese. Equally satisfying as a fireside wine on its own, it offers immediate appeal while possessing the structure to evolve over the next eight to ten years.