Getting close to the end on the Whole Foods Holiday Wine Top Ten list this year - only a few more to go. Overall so far, there have been some good selections and some not so good selections, but it's always a pleasure seeing what Doug Bell and his team pull together for these lists. I love that Whole Foods does this twice a year, mostly because for the average wine consumers, it takes a lot of the guesswork out of what wines to buy. If you're like me, you could taste all the wines on the list and probably come up with a few you could live without and a few that you have to put on your own good wine list.Thankfully, the 2008 Pisato Montepulciano falls in the latter camp. It's not the richest, most acidic, earth-bound Montepulciano I've ever tasted. Nor does it have the finish of some of my favorites (see La Braccesca 2004 Vino Noble di Montepulciano, the 2005 Masciarelli Estate Bottle Montepulciano d'Abruzzo, or the 2006 Avignonesi Vino Nobile di Montepulciano). But, this is a nice Italian wine. And, it's made with organically grown grapes, so I guess that's nice. Although, I'm not really sure what that means. If you ask some growers up in Napa, they fight every day to get the organic seal of approval, while others do everything they can to avoid the designation and instead focus on farming techniques that are truly sustainable. This post is not about that topic, as it could go on forever and rarely do you get the same opinion when you ask. For me, though, I just thought it was interesting because it's the first Montepulciano I've seen that has this designation (but then again, maybe I don't get out enough).
The 2008 Pisato Montepulciano has an interesting array of aromas and flavors - very dark cherry, earth, chocolate and wet dog on the nose, followed by a pomegranate, cranberry chocolate espresso (hold the whip cream) in the mouth. Not as acidic as I expected it to be, but it was well balanced for a wine at the sub $15 price point. The biggest bummer is that the finish dropped off a little too early for me, but up until that point, a very satisfying wine.
What Whole Foods has to say: For turkey and other rich poultry consider this affordable alternative to Chianti with soft tannins and hints of dried fruit. Bold ruby color and dry silky fresh tomato notes complement Italian food. Superbly creamy with Cabot Clothbound Cheddar aged at the Cellars of Jasper Hill or Parmigiano Reggiano Aged 24 months.
You know, it's always fun to go through these top ten lists and see what Whole Foods comes up with, but, I have to be honest, reading their descriptions makes me want to go on whatever cheese tours they go on. Incredible the cheese recommendations for these wines.
What you should do: Buy it. Well worth having some around the house. After all, you know of any other sub $15 bottles of Organic Italian wine? Yes? Good, go buy this one. No? Well, good, go buy this one.
My rating: 88
NOTE: the Pisato wine was sent to me as a free sample.
Gadget
Nice review - I like the maker notes in the image. Never had a montepulciano - going to have to look for this bottle somewhere for an upcoming dinner.
Josh @nectarwine
you know who else carries some nice and inexpensive montepulciano's is trader joes. usually under $10 and a pretty good selection to choose from. i've had good luck there.
let me know what you think of the pisato - curious to know.
I couldn't resist "Organic", "Montepulciano" and "$10.99" when I first spotted this wine at The Whole Foods back in October. Wow! What a good deal! It has become my favorite wine in the sub $15 range (I always keep a bottle or two of this wine in my "cellar")
i agree, it's a good one and a wine that i think whole foods put a lot of thought and effort into. as you said, not often you see organic, montepulciano and $10.99 in one place. i'm planning to go back and get some more myself. hope they still have some.
Please tell me where I can purchase this wine. I LOVE IT.
i'm not sure where else to get it other than whole foods and i don't think they carry it any more. but, if i find anything else out, i'll let you know.
rjversplor
I drink a lot of Montepulciano D'Abruzzo. You're right it's tasty and a great value. I just got a bottle of the 2007 Pisato, which I'm looking forward to trying.
One minor point: Montepulciano D'Abruzzo and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano are not the same wine. The former is made with the montepulciano grape while the latter is a sangiovese wine that comes from Montepulciano in Tuscany. Unfortunately, the naming is a little confusing.
glad you liked it - i thought it was really good as well.
and thanks for the note on the difference in the wines. good to know and will remember that for future posts. i'll also be sure to check my facts more closely... :-)
cheers!