We searched the region of Abruzzo for a savoury quaffer that's perfect for Tuesday night Italian, and this is it. Bright red fruit with length and depth, rustic (but squeaky clean) with genuine Italian savoury notes and that chalky tannin edge on the finish.

Ca' Rome' Romano Marengo Rapet Barolo The Rapet Barolo presents as an intense garnet red in the glass with ruby hues. The nose is full of fruity aromas with floral and spicy notes. On the palate, the flavour is intense buttressed by opulent and enveloping tannins and a long finish. The Rapet fruit is sourced from a southwestern vineyard located in Serralunga dAlba. The soils go back to the Helvetian period and comprises compact calcareous clay that alternates with sandy layers at 350-371 metres above sea level. Maceration lasts 20 days using a traditional method of maceration called steccatura at a temperature that never exceeds 30°C. This method involves wedging stocks into the vat to hold the cap (grape skins and pulp) down below the surface of the juice. This slow, gentle extractraction coaxes the signature tannins from the Nebbiolo grape skins. Aged for 24 months in 25 hectolitre Slavonian oak barrels with a portion of it part aged in barrique. The wine is further aged in-bottle for at least 12 months.

Floral scents of violets and roses with a powerful fruit driven palate full of ripe red cherries, sour black cherries and a touch of spice.

Zonin is originally a family of small-scale farmers that has become a touchstone for the Italian and international wine sectors. A major producer, making wines that highlight the exclusivity of their terroirs, varietal characteristics and ultimately the personality of each individual wine. Montepulciano d'Abruzzo is ample and remarkably complex. Dry on the palate and gracious, with delicate and soft veining, a fine and harmonious balance. It makes a fine accompaniment for all red meat dishes and moderately aged cheeses.

When young, Fontanafredda Langhe Nebbiolo features a fragrance which is wonderfully spontaneous and full of surprise. In its bouquet, colour, and generous, velvety body this wine brings out all the typical qualities of the grape it is made from. Later in life, its colour becomes garnet-red with strong orange shades, and its nose deepens, with traces of withered flowers, such as rose and above-all geraniums. It's warm, soft, well-bodied flavour is velvety and well-balanced, lingering in the mouth.