Name: Sotto Sottos Montepulciano D'Abruzzo, Itynera Recipe
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 bottle Montepulciano d'Abruzzo, Itynera (bottle); 1 to taste Wine bottle opener (corkscrew); 1 to taste Decanter (optional); 4 to taste Red wine glasses; 150 g Aged Pecorino or Parmigiano-Reggiano, cut into chunks; 150 g Cured meats (e.g., prosciutto, salami), thinly sliced; 50 g Dark chocolate (70% cacao), broken into squares; 1 loaf Crusty bread or grilled crostini; 100 g Roasted almonds or marcona almonds

Med Bag of Chips

Ham, cheddar cheese, fresh tomatoes, and arugula.

Ham and Cheese Sandwich

Sliced turkey, lettuce, tomato, and mustard in a whole wheat wrap.

Fit Turkey Wrap

Rich in notes of ripe berries, cocoa and vanilla

If the bottle has been stored at room temperature for a long time, chill lightly for 30–45 minutes in the refrigerator to bring the wine to an ideal serving temperature of about 16–18°C (60–65°F). Do not over-chill; Montepulciano d'Abruzzo is best slightly below room temperature.

Chill (optional)

Inspect the bottle for sediment and ensure the cork is intact. Gather a clean decanter (if using), clean red wine glasses, and the corkscrew. Remove any foil or capsule covering the cork with the small knife on the corkscrew.

Inspect and prepare

Center the corkscrew on the cork and twist in until only one spiral turn remains visible. Pull the cork out gently in a straight motion to avoid breaking. Wipe the bottle rim and mouth with a clean cloth or napkin to remove any cork debris.

Open the bottle

Pour the Montepulciano d'Abruzzo into a decanter slowly, observing the wine as it leaves the bottle. Decanting for 20–40 minutes will aerate the wine, soften tannins, and highlight the wine's ripe berry, cocoa and vanilla notes. If the bottle contains sediment, stop pouring when you see sediment reach the neck.

Decant (recommended)

Pour the wine into red wine glasses to fill about one-third to one-half of the glass (approximately 120–150 ml per serving). Hold the glass by the stem, swirl gently to release aromas, and invite guests to nose the wine before sipping.

Pour and serve

Encourage guests to look for ripe berry aromas (black cherry, blackberry), cocoa/dark chocolate nuances, and vanilla from oak aging. Note the medium to full body and soft to moderate tannins typical of Montepulciano d'Abruzzo.

Tasting notes guidance

Arrange cheeses, cured meats, bread and nuts on a board. Serve the dark chocolate on a separate small plate. These savory and slightly bitter components complement the wine's ripe fruit and cocoa/vanilla notes.

For a warmed pairing: briefly warm crostini or crusty bread in a 180°C (350°F) oven for 5–7 minutes until crisp. Serve immediately alongside cheeses and meats.

If serving with a meal: Montepulciano d'Abruzzo pairs well with tomato-based pasta, grilled meats, roasted vegetables, and dishes with aged cheeses. Offer the wine alongside these dishes, allowing guests to taste and compare.

Montepulciano d'Abruzzo, Itynera (bottle)

Wine bottle opener (corkscrew)

Decanter (optional)

Red wine glasses

Aged Pecorino or Parmigiano-Reggiano, cut into chunks

Cured meats (e.g., prosciutto, salami), thinly sliced

Dark chocolate (70% cacao), broken into squares

Crusty bread or grilled crostini

Roasted almonds or marcona almonds

Montepulciano d'Abruzzo, Itynera

Make Montepulciano D'Abruzzo, Itynera Recipe in just 45m. Rich in notes of ripe berries, cocoa and vanilla

Montepulciano d'Abruzzo, Itynera

Descriptors

Tasting Notes

Food Pairings

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