Today we will be tasting one bottle of Terre de la Custodia Montefalco Rosso DOC, with suggestions for serving on your holiday table and details on the grapes used in this particular bottling.

Tasting

Aromas and Flavors separated by ;

Greeted by a dark garnet color I was drawn into aromas of dried black cherry, crushed black plums, stewing mushrooms and green peppercorn; in the mouth it was dark and dusty, filled with blackberry and blueberry fruit, tannic yet well balanced. Wholly appealing. 89 Eve pts.

Serving Suggestion 

Thanksgiving is a time of family, togetherness, and entirely too much food to handle, not only in terms overall quantity, but also in the overwhelming kinds of dishes found on the table. Many families have their own food traditions that are served in addition to the American staples, creating what can often be a cacophony of dishes. With all of these drastically different choices, how can you possibly choose the right wine? The answer is Montefalco Rosso DOC. Not only is it a sturdy red, perfect for late fall, but each varietal is able to stand up to the varied and specific elements of sides and main dishes on the Thanksgiving table…

Wine Details 

Montefalco Rosso DOC (SRP: $19-25) is a stellar combination of Sagrantino and Sangiovese and presents itself in a deep ruby red with purple tints. The bouquet offers up wild fruits, plum, and toasted aromas.

The Sagrantino: provides depth and structure and stands up to heartier dishes such as ham, duck, truffled mushrooms, au gratins with Stilton and other aged cheeses, and dark chocolate.

The Sangiovese:  lends its brightness and fruitiness to stand next to lighter, fresher dishes such as cranberry sauce, sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts, salads, apple pie – and, of course, turkey.

Eve Bushman has been reading, writing, taking coursework and tasting wine for over 20 years.  She has obtained a Level Two Intermediate Certification from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust, has been the subject of a 60-minute Wine Immersion video, authored “Wine Etiquette for Everyone” and recently served as a judge for the Long Beach Grand Cru. You can email Eve@EveWine101.com to ask a question about wine or spirits that may be answered in a future column.