Almost by accident, I discovered a delightful and accessible Italian red wine to go with my original recipe for ‘Loo-siana Arabiatta’ Pizza. It’s Collins Fossetta Montepulciano D’Abruzzo DOC. At about $8 a bottle, it’s a surprisingly refreshing Italian Red, perfect for a casual meal of pizza, burgers or Tacos.

This is the very type of casual, everyday wine that people regularly drink in Italy. Over there, it’s not uncommon to have it at lunch, with a selection of sliced lunch meats and cheeses, followed by some grilled meats or sausages and olive-soaked grilled vegetables.

Fire-roasted pizzas are a delicacy to be savored for their aromas of fresh Basil or Rosemary, often picked directly from local fields.

Fossetta Montepulciano d’Abruzzo is a popular, affordable Italian red wine from the Abruzzo region, known for its fruity, medium-bodied profile with flavors of cherry, plum, and sometimes spicy or herbal notes, soft tannins, and a dry finish, making it a versatile pairing for pizza, pasta, and grilled meats. It’s made from the Montepulciano grape, offering a great introduction to Italian reds with its approachable and food-friendly character. 

Food pairings include Pizza, Pasta with meat sauces (like Bolognese), Burgers, and Grilled Steak. 

 Made with Montepulciano grapes grown in the Abruzzo region of central Italy.

The wine is aged for 12 months, with 30% of the blend aged in oak barriques and 70% in stainless steel, resulting in a balance of depth and freshness. With 13.5 alcohol content, it is a hearty partner to a hearty meal.

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo is one of the quintessential wines of Italy, enjoyed throughout the country and the world. This wine is an excellent ambassador for the region, representing its versatility and that popular ‘new’ word, affordability! Wine is always better with food. Drink Responsibly.