The French oak-aged 2005 Montepulciano d’Abruzzo Vigna Franca is Barba’s top selection. It is an attractive, plump wine, but its balance is completely dominated by the oak. Sometimes less is more, and in this case, I have a preference for the entry-level wines, which offer purer expressions of Montepulciano and these terroirs. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2010.
Importer: The Charmer Sunbelt Group, NY, NY; tel. (212) 699-7021