Even better is the 2012 Montepulciano d’Abruzzo. A perfect wine for pizza, hamburgers and hot dogs, it includes small amounts of Nero d’Avola from Sicily and Uva di Troia from Puglia, and is aged primarily in stainless steel with a few months’ time in large oval, old oak barrels. A fruity, delicious, fresh, dry red with gutsy notes of tomato skin, loamy soil, red currants, kirsch and roasted herbs, this flavorful wine is ideal for drinking over the next 12-18 months. Importer: Polaner Selections - Doug Polaner, Mt. Kisco, NY; tel. (914) 244-0404; fax (914) 244-0505

Medium-bodied, with a fresh profile of spice, earth and black cherry notes. Not big, but enjoyable. Drink now. 3,000 cases imported.??–NW??Region: Italy / Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Select to Add

As for the red wine, the 2011 Montepulciano d’Abruzzo includes small amounts of Nero D’Avola from Sicily, and Uva di Troia from Puglia in the blend. Its upbringing includes fermentation in tank, and aging in mostly stainless steel and some large wood barrels as well. A heck-of-a bargain, there are 4,500 cases of this delicious custom blend. A perfect match for pasta, burgers and pizza, it offers a dark ruby color, spicy, peppery, earthy, red and black fruits, medium body, good ripeness, easygoing, sweet tannin, and enough acidity to provide definition. Consume it over the next 1-2 years. Doug Polaner is his name, and high quality wines in all price ranges is his game. I have been tasting with Polaner over a number of years, and these notes represent his very finest value selections. Importer: Polaner Selections, Doug Polaner, Mt. Kisco, NY; tel: (914) 244-0404; fax: (914) 244-0505

Il Conte’s 2010 Montepulciano d’Abruzzo bursts from the glass with juicy dark cherries, spices and tobacco, all of which come together in an immediate, racy style that is quite appealing. This unoaked, vibrant Montepulciano is a seriously delicious wine for the money. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2014. Importer: Polaner Selections, Mt. Kisco, NY; tel. (914) 244-0404

The 2009 Montepulciano d'Abruzzo is a ridiculously good wine for the money. Fresh black cherries, flowers and spices flow effortlessly from this mid-weight unoaked Montepulciano. Served slightly chilled, it will make a great summertime drinker. I loved it. Il Conte is a private label created by importer Doug Polaner. There are a total of 5,000 cases of this wine, most of which will be available in the NY Metro area. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2013. Importer: Polaner Selections, Mt. Kisco, NY; tel. (914) 244-0404