# Rubesto Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Riserva (2020)

- **Producer:** Cantina Frentana
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Montepulciano
- **Region:** Abruzzo, Italy
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 14.0%
- **Average price:** €12
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 16–18 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** violet, cherry, plum, blueberry, blackcurrant, black pepper, vanilla, toast, chocolate, leather, tobacco, forest floor

## About this wine

Founded in 1958 in Rocca San Giovanni by local physician Francesco D'Agostino, Cantina Frentana is a historic cooperative in Abruzzo that today unites over 400 passionate grower-members. The winery's physical and symbolic landmark is its iconic 30-meter-high Torre Vinaria (Wine Tower), built in 1958 to process grapes naturally using gravity flow. Rubesto is the standard-bearer of the estate's 'Progetto Qualità' (Quality Project), initiated in 1999 to select only the finest grapes from vineyards overlooking the scenic Costa dei Trabocchi, where the maritime influence of the Adriatic Sea meets the cooling breezes of the Majella mountain range.

## Interesting facts

- The winery features a historic 30-meter-high concrete Wine Tower built in 1958 for gravity-flow winemaking.
- Rubesto is crafted strictly from growers participating in the 'Progetto Qualità' quality protocol established in 1999.
- The vineyards overlook the Costa dei Trabocchi, famous for its historic wooden fishing platforms.

## Food pairing

This full-bodied, structured Riserva pairs exceptionally well with rich, savory dishes that match its robust tannins and high intensity. The wine's vibrant acidity cuts through the fat of rich meats like lamb and duck, while its firm tannin structure binds beautifully with animal proteins. Earthy components like mushrooms and aged cheeses complement the subtle oak and spice notes of the wine.

## Wine making process

The winemaking process for Rubesto Riserva begins with a meticulous manual harvest in mid-October. The grapes undergo soft pressing and destemming, followed by temperature-controlled fermentation and maceration on the skins for 10 to 15 days in small stainless steel fermenters. The wine is then aged in French oak tonneaux for approximately 14 months, allowing the robust tannins to integrate and soften. Following oak maturation, the wine undergoes further refinement in stainless steel tanks and rests in the bottle for several months before commercial release.