2017 Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo

The Valentini 2017 Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo is a wine of character and depth, although the aromas do take a little while to get going. The wine opens to a medium dark raspberry color, and there are pretty tones of white cherry, raspberry and peach simmering just under the surface. Give your glass a few vigorous swirls to open the bouquet. As it takes on more air, the wine begins to show subtle tones of cinnamon, white licorice, crushed stone and saffron. That complexity emerges with time. Indeed, the wine reveals a very developed and elegant savory side that magically defies the heat of the 2017 vintage. A mid-weight mouthfeel, plus naturally robust and succulent fiber that comes easily with the Montepulciano grape, would pair next to whole fish cooked in a crust of salt, with lemon, fresh basil and extra virgin olive oil.