A blend of Montepulciano and Cabernet from the southern part of the Marches, the 2001 Barricadero, for all of its positive qualities, shows the limits of this sort of blend. Quite dark in color, the nose, with its black currant fruit, herbs, and tar, tends to relegate the jammy plum aromas of Montepulciano to the background, and the concentrated, extracted flavors are somewhat hard and dry on the finish. Some bottle time may help, but a bit more confidence in valid local traditions wouldn’t hurt – Offida, where the vineyards are located, is considered one of the best spots in the entire Marches for Montepulciano. Drink: 2006-2014. No known American importer.