Negus Montepulciano d'Abruzzo DOC

Cascina del Colle's top Montepulciano. Fruit from Villamagna and Vacri, on sandy-clay soils at 280 metres, pergola-trained at 100 quintals per hectare.

Fifteen to twenty days of skin maceration in temperature-controlled steel, then 18 to 24 months in first-use barriques — new oak, unapologetically.

In the glass — Dark, with ruby highlights. Stewed black fruit, spice and tobacco. Long on the palate, where the balance of tannin and acidity delivers the roundness.

At the table — Game in sauce, aged red meats, mature cheeses.

Serving — 18–20°C. 15.5% vol. 75cl.