Typically, the wines made from this variety are full bodied with deep colour, spice and plum flavours and high levels of tannin. They usually require some bottle aging and are well paired with hearty Italian cuisine or sharp cheeses. Crimson ruby red in colour, with purple tinges, the Mr. Riggs Montepulciano has a savoury aroma of light pepper, dried herbs (namely oregano), followed by a faint dried rose petal perfume and a gentle raspberry lift. The palate is very true to the aromas; savoury, light raspberry and lighter red berry fruit on the palate wrapped up with velvety tannins and a hint of dried citrus peel on the back palate. Absolutely delicious, drinking beautifully now or over the next 5 years, and a very suitable partner to a large array of dishes - try it with pork, lamb or anything Italian.
Montepulciano is an intriguing wine; a variety and style Ben appreciates and enjoys drinking. Salute!
The Vineyards
All of the Montepulciano fruit for this wine is sourced from Amadio Kersbrook vineyard, between Kersbrook and Williamstown in the Adelaide Hills. Located at 300m altitude, it is also relatively low vigour, east-facing, and on grey-brown loam. Its location makes it considerably warmer and drier than other areas in the region, so the fruit ripens earlier, with much more tannin and lower acidity-all features that make it perfect as a serious dry red.
The History
"Mr. Riggs has a simple and personal vision, 'black and white' if you like, to make wine that Ben Riggs himself loves to drink - Winemaker's wine. Whilst still a travelling consultant winemaker, on his list of favourite wine regions to visit and work was central and southern Italy. It was there that his love of Montepulciano began, and those memories have inspired him to make this Aussie version from fruit grown in the Adelaide Hills.
Montepulciano is the name of both a grape variety and a town in Tuscany, Italy, which causes confusion as the two are not actually connected in any way. All Mr. Riggs knows is it's a great wine!"
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