The Montepulciano d'Abruzzo DOC Palio, offered here by Citra, is the result of certified organic processing and a focus on quality. Produced in Ortona, in the heart of Abruzzo, this wine is a 100% Montepulciano d'Abruzzo. Ortona, overlooking the Adriatic Sea, enjoys an ideal microclimate for viticulture. The sea breezes, in fact, combined with the cool currents coming from the nearby Apennines, create strong temperature ranges that favour optimal ripening of the grapes. Montepulciano, in particular, the symbolic grape variety of Abruzzo, has found in these lands the perfect place to express its power and versatility. The vinification of this Montepulciano is particularly careful to enhance the qualities of the variety. After harvesting, the grapes undergo a long maceration of the skins at a controlled temperature to best extract the intense colour and complex aromas typical of Montepulciano. After alcoholic fermentation, the wine is then transferred to stainless steel tanks, where it completes malolactic fermentation, acquiring softness and roundness. Finally, it matures briefly in barrels, acquiring a distinctive aromatic profile and a light spicy note. While Palio has an intense red colour with deep purple hues, it is the nose that is most striking, thanks to its elegant and complex bouquet, with notes of black cherry and wild berries blending with aromas of black pepper, cocoa and a balsamic hint. In the mouth it is full-bodied and velvety, with a soft tannicity and great persistence. The finish is long and pleasant and leaves sensations of spices and ripe fruit in the mouth. Thanks to its structure and aromatic complexity, this Montepulciano d'Abruzzo has an excellent capacity for ageing. If well stored, it can evolve in the bottle for several years, developing tertiary hints of tobacco and leather, which further enrich its aromatic profile and increase its pleasantness. It already goes well with important and structured dishes. Perfect with mushroom and truffle-based first courses, it is ideal with grilled meats such as lamb and the traditional Abruzzo arrosticini.