ENISIO MONTEPULCIANO DOC RISERVA (Mon-ta-pull-channo)

Aroma: On the nose, expect flavors such as wild cherry, black current, blackberry, boysenberry, and plum. You may also detect notes of dried tobacco, thyme, or oregano. Oak-aged Montepulciano has notes of chocolate, clove, and other peppery spices.

Palate: For the most part, Montepulciano wines are medium bodied with soft tannins, high acidity, and juicy, fruit flavors.

Food Pairing: To be paired with savory and hearty meat dishes as the wine’s tannic quality and acidity cut through fats. Beef Bolognese, brisket, meatloaf, bbq, and any dish with a rich tomato-based or cheese sauce. Maybe even some sausage with fondue. It also goes especially well with fatty fish such as salmon, tuna, or mackerel. Also consider it as the perfect partner for pizza, especially topped with sausage or pepperoni. If you're not a meat- eater, hearty veggies, such as mushrooms, winter squash, baked potatoes, beets, beans, and roasted tomatoes. For dessert, a cherry, blackberry, or boysenberry crumble. For a longer-aged Riserva, you can't go wrong with anything dark chocolate.