SippitySup

Illuminati Riparosso Montepulciano d’Abruzzo is deep ruby red in color, with aromas of dark red fruit, smoke and spice. With surprisingly intense ripe cherry and raspberry flavors, it’s not entirely typical of many wines from this region, which is a good thing. Yet the wine finishes with old-world elements, including licorice, leather and tar. These savory characteristics pair very well with the bold flavors of lamb, paprika and red peppers in Greg’s spicy Lamb Meatball dish, while the aforementioned fruit flavors lend a touch of cooling sweetness.

The Abruzzo region in central Italy is famous for its Montepulciano d’Abruzzo wines, which is considered one of Italy’s most widely exported DOC classed wines. Made from at least 85% Montepulciano grapes, wines within this DOC are somewhat under-appreciated, compared to wines from Tuscany. In my opinion, however, Montepulciano d’Abruzzo offers excellent quality and value, and are almost indispensable when looking for the perfect wine to pair with hearty pasta dishes. For a more muscular version of these wines, look for wines from the smaller Colline Teramane DOCG.

Grant Henry

Grant is a graduate of the French Culinary Institute (now the International Culinary Center) in New York City. He is recognized as a Certified Specialist of Wine by the Society of Wine Educators. Currently living in his hometown of St. Petersburg, Florida, Grant is a sales rep for a small wine distributor specializing in boutique wineries from around the world. When not selling wine, drinking wine, or talking about wine he can be found making delicious dinners for his friends and family, or entertaining his son. Grant puts the “Sip” in Sippity Sup through his creative wine pairings. He is also the author of the Wine Notes for the book “Savory Pies”. His three favorite wine words are dirt, acid, and gravel. Greg and Grant are brothers.

Pairs With Lamb Meatballs with Red Pepper and Chickpea Sauce

Price $16

Also pairs well with Braised beef, cheese, lamb, mushrooms, pasta, pork, sausage, venison

• Category Red Wine
• Varietal Montepulciano
• Region Abruzzo Italy