In the past finding a delicious Montepulciano d’Abruzzo with it’s bright, red fruit, ripe tannins and high acidity, was something of an arcane art form, usually involving talking to a man about un cane. However, the rise of Estate Wines in Italy has seen an increase in the availability of this moreish and undervalued red.

Showing hints of plum jam and bramble on the nose, but with an unexpectedly light and silky body that’s full of red cherries and red currant acidity, it’s an obvious companion to lasagne and Carbonara, but is equally at home with duck or spicy chicken curries, or by the BBQ with some friends.