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Montepulciano d’Abruzzo Colline Teramane is Abruzzo’s jewel in the crown, a fact confirmed by its promotion to DOCG status in 2003. Situated in Central Italy, its name (Colline Teramane) means hills of Teramo, and it is thanks to this prime hilly site with outstanding growing conditions that the Montepulciano d’Abruzzo gem can shine. This territory in the province of Teramo, with its special microclimate and good soil structure, is located between the high peaks of the Gran Sasso National Park and the Adriatic coast. Local wine growers demonstrate passion, professionalism and respect for the Colline Teramane terroir, as well as treating the Montepulciano d’Abruzzo grape gently by cropping it at reasonably low levels so the vines can bear first-class fruit. The wines require a minimum of 90% Montepulciano and a maximum of 10% Sangiovese. At least two years of ageing is required, with at least one year in oak barrels and at least six months in bottle before release. Those under the Riserva label must have spent a minimum of three years maturing. The result is a unique wine with distinct organoleptic sensations; it is often notable for its muscular and earthy character, robust but at the same time offering an elegant and velvet-smooth texture. Like a Vosne-Romanee, this wine can be described as ‘an iron hand in a velvet glove’. It is an expressive red delivering an intense purity of fruit, abundant in fresh dark cherries and black plums, with hints of spice and smoke evident from the time in oak. It comes into its element when paired with food.