Regius Montepulciano Riserva

Regius Montepulciano Riserva is an Italian-style red from Massachusetts, made under the Esplanda label. The name points to the Montepulciano grape, which is best known from Abruzzo. The word "Riserva" is an Italian term for extra time in barrel and bottle before release. It isn't a regulated designation for a U.S. wine, so the listing doesn't state the aging regimen, oak type, vintage or alcohol level. Montepulciano typically gives deep ruby-purple color, dark cherry, plum and blackberry fruit, and a savory edge of dried herbs, leather or black pepper. Wines labeled Riserva usually add some oak influence, such as spice, toast or vanilla, and a fuller, more structured feel. Expect medium-full body, moderate tannins that are often rounder than in Sangiovese or Nebbiolo, and enough acidity to keep the fruit from feeling heavy. Treat this as the expected profile for the style, not a measured description of this bottle. A cool-climate New England origin may lean the fruit toward the fresher, tarter end. At the table, this style suits food with some fat and savor. Good matches include rigatoni with sausage ragù, lasagna, braised short rib, grilled lamb chops, roasted mushrooms, aged pecorino and wood-fired pizza with cured meats. The acidity also copes well with tomato-based dishes. Serve it slightly below room temperature, around 60 to 65°F. About 20 minutes in the refrigerator before opening usually gets it there. If the wine seems tight or the oak stands out on opening, pouring it into a decanter for 30 to 60 minutes should help it open up. Use a large-bowled red wine glass so the aromatics have room. Riservas in this style are usually built to drink well on release, and many also hold for several more years. Without a vintage or producer cellaring guidance, drinking it over the next few years is the safer approach. If you want to age a bottle, store it on its side somewhere cool and dark and open it periodically to see how it develops.