Montepulciano d’Abruzzo in nine different expressions in the masterclass led by wine expert Sabina Yang at Qingtian’s QWine Expo.
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Sabina, before talking about Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, what is your general opinion on the QWine Expo event?
Although this is my first time participating in Qingtian’s QWine , I think the overall organization, set-up and quality of the fair is a success, mainly in three aspects:
First of all, the variety of wines on display: covering the fair all the best-known wine-producing countries, in a separate Italian national pavilion there are wines from various famous regions such as Piedmont, Tuscany, Abruzzo, etc. and the availability of products is complete and rich; Secondly, the captivating promotional activities: during the QWine Expo various promotional activities were continuously launched such as master classes on production regions, competitions and auctions, which attracted great attention and strengthened the professionalism of the exhibition; Thirdly, the quality of the buyers at the fair: the visitors to the exhibition are both importers, distributors, restaurant and bar operators, etc.
In addition to local buyers from Zhejiang province, there are also many buyers from all provinces of the country, who are very determined and knowledgeable. Most visitors are into wine or have a very strong interest in wine and have more or less solid knowledge of Italian wines.
You conducted the tasting of 9 different Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, what differences did you find?
The selection of wines in this masterclass has a good representation and completeness, such as the comparison between reserve and non-reserve: among the non-reserve labels there are in turn more fruity and full-bodied wines, and more astringent and elegant wines. Among the reserves, there was a comparison between fine and refined wines and more intense, alcoholic and full-bodied wines. It was also possible to compare the lovely floral and fruity aromas of the young vintages and the complexity of the older vintages.
Montepulciano is becoming more and more popular in the Chinese market. Which feature do you think Chinese consumers like the most?
With Montepulciano’s growing popularity in the Chinese market, I think its peculiarities can be clearly defined as “a high value for money wine that combines richness, smoothness and Italian style”. More in detail:
Full- bodied: It is rich in color, has a pleasant scent, with a distinct fruity aroma, and can also express notes of spice given by the oak barrels;
Soft: it has fresh but not aggressive acidity, rich but not astringent tannins;
Italian style: whether it is fruity or complex, it always represents Italian elegance and in general the wines of the “old world”;
Price-quality: it has an affordable price. Of course, “value for money” is certainly not synonymous with “cheap”;
Even for highly complex and aged Montepulciano wines, the value for money is very high and competitive in relation to the most famous Italian wines of the same price range. These characteristics are also the most recognized by Chinese consumers, I think that combining these characteristics to form a “slogan” that can be widely disseminated is the key to favoring the rapid development of Abruzzo and Montepulciano wine varieties in the Chinese market.
Which Chinese dish would you pair with a wine among those tasted?
I love homemade dishes paired with Abruzzo wines, homemade dishes are what we Chinese can cook at home, simple but full of warmth. When I drink Duca Thaulero Riserva, I would like to pair it with a pot of meat and mushroom stew to harmoniously resonate with the rich umami and earthy aromas of the wine; when I drink Marina Cvetic, I would like to combine it with a pilaf rice with lamb so that they enhance each other with the acidity and complexity of the wine.
Wine cellars for tasting
“1960” Montepulciano d’Abruzzo Doc Riserva – Frentana Winery
Ten Vintages Montepulciano d’Abruzzo DOC – Collefrisio
Cantico Montepulciano d’Abruzzo DOC – Cantine Mucci
Tre Saggi Montepulciano DOC 2017 – Talamonti Winery
Montepulciano D’Abruzzo DOC 2017 – IX Century Estate
Marina Cvetic Riserva Montepulciano 2017 – Masciarelli
Aereo Montepulciano D ‘Abruzzo Riserva DOC 2013 – Di Sipio
SPELT Montepulciano d’Abruzzo doc Riserva 2017 – La Valentina
Duca Thaulero Montepulciano Riserva DOP Montepulciano 2014 – Casal Thaulero