Ultima Edizione NV

Based in an ancient castle in Abruzzo, Farnese Vini has been named Italy’s Winery of the Year three times by Luca Maroni’s highly influential wine guide. Brought to you by quality-obsessed winemaker Filippo Baccalaro, the inaugural release of this cuvée debuted to International Wine Challenge Red Wine of the Year honors. And ever since, it’s won 97+ point ratings from critic Luca Maroni and major praise from our customers. One sip of the latest edition, and you’ll understand what keeps judges and fans alike coming back for more.

Filippo’s regular Montepulciano d’Abruzzo is “a wine to buy by the car-load,” says top critic Robert Parker. For this ‘ultimate’ challenge, he takes the same ripe Montepulciano grapes and blends in three other star varieties from across Italy’s sun-drenched south (hence quattro uve or ‘four grapes’ on the label).

With the addition of spicy Sangiovese from Abruzzo, along with berry-packed Primitivo and inky Negroamaro from Puglia, this pasta-perfect red is far greater than the sum of its parts. Low-yielding (flavor-boosting) old vines and Filippo’s deft touch in the cellar ensure a rich, complex, finely balanced wine.

In the glass, you’re in for billowing, ripe blackberry and licorice aromas, plus hints of coffee and spice. The palate is velvety-smooth with plummy, cherry richness through the chocolate-laced finish.

Like all great Italian reds, Ultima Edizione comes into its own when served with a meal. Pair it with pizza, meaty pastas like spaghetti Bolognese or a hearty plate of osso buco (slow-braised veal shanks). Buon appetito!