Hints of fragrant leather and loamy earth are layered with subtle notes of strawberry preserve, dried fig and herbed green olive in this aging red. Light tannins firm the dusty finish. Drink now. 500 cases made, 35 cases imported.??–AN??Region: Italy / Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Select to Add

The Cataldi Madonna 2015 Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Tonì is the flagship wine from this historic estate located at the foot of the Grand Sasso Mountain in the province of Aquila, Abruzzo. The Montepulciano grape can sometimes taste broad and one-dimensional. That is anything but the case here. This wine is nuanced and shows depth with a pretty ensemble of dark fruits that segue to spice, moist earth and black licorice. Tonì offers an abundant mid-weight approach with soft tannins. This is a perfect steak wine from Abruzzo if there ever was one. It ages in French oak for 12 months. A mere 3,000 bottles were produced.

An elegant red, with creamy tannins and flavors of crème de cassis, dried strawberry and mocha underscored by hints of grilled meat, herb and smoke. Medium- to full-bodied and supple, with a lightly chewy, spiced finish. Drink now through 2027. 550 cases made, 50 cases imported.??–AN??Region: Italy / Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Select to Add

Spice-accented and broad, with roasted plum and dark cherry notes backed by light tannins and a woodsy finish. Drink now. 250 cases made.??–NW??Region: Italy / Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Select to Add

A dark, brooding wine, the 2008 Montepulciano d’Abruzzo Toni is laced with tobacco, scorched earth, smoke and plums. This is another huge Montepulciano, but the style is less overt than the Malandrino and, oddly enough, more varietal. Licorice, tobacco and menthol wrap around a dark, brooding finish. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2018. Cataldi Madonna is one of the very finest estates in Italy. The wines are varietally expressive, full of personality and beautifully crafted. Importer: Vias Imports, New York, NY; tel. (212) 629-0200