San Lorenzo 'il Solleone' montepulciano 2017

The grape variety montepulciano (quite different to the Tuscan village of the same name) is most closely associated with the Adriatic region of Abbruzzo.

There it produces medium to full-bodied reds, with ripe fruit and soft tannins - not unlike South Australian shiraz. Just to the north in the Marche, the same grape turns a little darker and more savoury, and adds interest and complexity. A little wine maker funk adds even more to the mix.

To continue the Aussie analogy, this wine is more like shiraz from the Grampians or Pyrenees of western Victoria, rather than that from the valleys of Barossa or McLaren Vale.