TN: 2008 Torre Dei Beati Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Cerasuolo

  • 2008 Torre Dei Beati Montepulciano d’Abruzzo Cerasuolo - Italy, Abruzzi, Montepulciano d’Abruzzo Cerasuolo (6/20/2009)
    The color of this Rosé is nearly as dark and deep as a Pinot Noir. Floral and mineral nose, predominantly, with hints of strawberry and peach poking through. Rather substantial mouthfeel for a Rosé, and a bit on the heavy side toward the finish, but this does not seem to be a light, quaffable Rosé by design. Strawberries, herbs on the palate, and I find this a tad too sweet for my preferences, but still a great summer wine. (89 pts.)

Posted from CellarTracker

Todd, you hit some smokey, salty, sweet, hot 'n’spicy red sauce BBQ with that sucker (or some Oaxacan delicacies) and you will be glad for that little smidge of sweet fruit in that wine. LOVE that stuff!

Year-in, year out I have purchased this wine from distributors without even bothering to taste it in advance. It is one of the very few wines I do this with. However, I was a tad bit disappointed with this year’s model. There’s just something missing this year. Don’t get me wrong, I like the 2008. Just not as much as previous vintages.

On the other hand, my favorite cerasuolo this year has been the 2008 Nicodemi “Cerasuolo” Rosato Montepulciano d’Abruzzo from N. Berkeley Imports. Try it with grilled watermelon that has been hit with a bit of your favorite sea salt.