2018 Illuminati Zanna, Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Colline Teramane Riserva DOCG, Italy (750ml)

WINEMAKER'S NOTES:

Zanna is intense ruby red in color, turning garnet with time. There are hints of blackberry, berry fruits, and dried flowers on the nose. On the palate the wine has great texture and soft tannins, with an elegant and long finish. It will pair perfectly with red meat, game, truffles, and aged cheeses, particularly gorgonzola.

TASTING NOTES:

A variety so firm and ferrous; savoury, chewy and pithy of fruit, that its ugly duckling youth, all shins and elbows, can often contradict the drift into a calmer, layered and soothing middle to long age. This, a case in point. Dried tobacco, walnut husk, Chinotto and a slather of oak is all a bit excessive. The sweetness of fruit expands across its course in the finish. Scored optimistically. Drink or hold.

-James Suckling, 90 pts.