FirstDropMinchiaMontepulciano

<p>A sexy, svelte interpretation of flamboyant Montepulciano. A sensual, yet exuberant wine. This Montepulciano, an Australian expression of this southern Italian varietal, is teasingly textured, whilst bursting with ‘Shirazamatazz’ flavour.</p><p>With apologies to Italian speakers who may know immediately the meaning of Minchia (pronounced Min-k-ia). The rather naughty name for this Montepulciano is meant to express its flamboyance.</p><p>It is produced from the Montepulciano grape, most often seen in Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, often a tannic, fruity, “everyday” wine. However this could not be described as an “everyday” wine. It has a fruity nose – ripe blueberries, cherries and raspberries – and is quite perfumed. The palate is full of concentrated black fruits – blackberries, blackcurrants and cherries – with a hint of dark chocolate and spice. The tannins are there but they have softened such that the wine is really very round and smooth. I used to say that this wine was for drinking with food rather than on its own – and it will stand up to quite rich meat dishes – but it has really mellowed with time in bottle and is also, what one winemaker I know calls “a contemplation wine”!</p><p>This wine has mellowed so can now be drunk on its own or with food – it will be a good match for tomato-based sauces, most rich meat stews and for salty foods such as cheese.</p><p>Set up by Essex boy Matt Gant and South Australian John Retsas, First Drop is part winery and part frivolous merrymaking in a ginormous warehouse abandoned by Penfolds. This duo crafts grapes grown by their friends into fun-loving and easy-going wines with remarkable distinction and texture, earning them a five-star rating from James Halliday. They also do this without using animal products in the fining process, making the entire range vegan friendly.</p><p><em>“</em><em>A powerful, sturdy rendition of the variety and while the 50% new French oak puncheons make their presence felt, everything is balanced. It’s awash with satsuma and dark plums, licorice, soy sauce and ferrous notes that move onto a full-bodied palate, with giving tannins and plenty of grip on the finish.” </em>95 points, James Halliday</p><p><em>“Deep smudgy ruby. Perhaps a very slight note of smoky reduction at first. But then lively spice and cigar-box notes. Chewy tannins with juicy fruit in the middle, sweetness of red fruit carries to a long finish and a more spicy aftertaste.</em><em>” </em>17 points, JancisRobinson.com</p><p><em>“Decidedly ‘Italiante’ in it’s make-up, this is a blazingly fun wine of cherry juice, pomegranate, sweet-sour prettiness, amaro-like herb notes and a crunchy texture. Sounds about right. There’s a touch of extra depth here though that suggests a wine of a bit more detail and interest, something to be thankful for despite the inherent and wild drinkability.</em><em>” </em>93 points, JMike Bennie</p>