This is a young winery and it is making the headlines Owned and operated by the Pizzolo family. Valle Reale is one of the few wineries exploiting the pristine conditions in the Abruzzo region.

The vineyards are situated in the rugged and beautiful Canestro Valley in the Majella National Park. A stunning area with bears and wolves often sighted in and around the vineyards.

This is the only winery in any National Park in Italy and they cannot bring in any outside plant material, and they must produce with absolute respect for nature.

The high altitude and cooler climate (not to mention the state-of-the-art winery) lead to wines with much more polish and class than most wines from this region. Two of their wines gained the ""Tre Bicchieri"" award in the 2011 edition of the Gambero Rosso.

This is the flagship wine of Valle Reale

Grapes:     Montepulciano 100%

Region:     Italy / Abruzzo / Montepulciano d''Abruzzo DOC

Maker:      Luciana Biondo

Notes:       Dense in colour with a complex nose of leather, fresh herbs and plums. Smooth and well structured, it leaves a lingering finish.

Serve:      Serve at room temperature with game, roast red meats and mature cheese. Open the bottle 1 hour before serving

ABV:         14.00%