Before you know anything else about today’s stunning wine, we need to tell you this: We cannot keep it in stock. We love it, and our clients love it, and whenever we offer it, it just flies out of our warehouse and into the collections of knowledgeable wine lovers. If you love Napa Cabernet Sauvignon, you’ll love this Italian wine too.

If you’re one of our friends who has bought the 97-point 2019 Torre Zambra Villamagna Montepulciano d'Abruzzo (or a previous vintage) in the past, then you know how good it is and will probably be jumping to the end of this email to buy it again. If not, you’ll want to know a little more about the wine before buying. 

Montepulciano is, as James Suckling describes it, a “solid, rich, easy-to-like, and best of all wallet-friendly wine.” Think blueberries, blackberries, and black cherries with a touch of oak aging and you get the picture. In the hands of Torre Zambra, one of the oldest wineries in the region of Abruzzo, it is all those things and more, specifically because of the location where the wine’s indigenous Montepulciano grapes are grown. 

The Villamagna vineyards contain soils of clay and limestone that are rich in nutrients. Its unique microclimate created by the nearby Adriatic Sea and the Majella mountains is characterized by diurnal and seasonal temperature changes that create complex, cellarable red wine. It’s important to note that the history of vines and winemaking in Abruzzo pre-date the Roman era of 2,000 years ago. This terroir is so special that in 2011, Villamagna obtained the Designation of Origin and is now one of the smallest DOCs in Italy. 

Small, yes, but also mighty. Wine Economist says Villamagna’s “importance exceeds its size and points the way forward for Abruzzo and its Montepulciano wines.” 

Italian wine expert and critic Luca Maroni gave the wine a huge stamp of approval when he blessed it with 97 points. James Suckling says it’s a “rich Montepulciano” with “lots of crushed black fruit and nicely placed oak.” When you hear critics with unanimous praise, it’s usually a good signal to BUY! 

But really, the best stamp of approval comes from our customers who snatch up this wine made through sustainable and organic viticulturetime and time again. It’s a supreme quality expression of the native variety Montepulciano that’s both elegant and intense. 

BHW is pleased to be able to offer this jewel of Abruzzo for under $35, it’s rated 97 points, and it's going to go fast.