Translated from Italian, La Scelta Personale means “the personal choice,” though picking up a bottle of this 2021 La Scelta Personale is more of a no-brainer. The nose of this Montepulciano brims with intense red fruit flavors of cranberry and cherry. This Italian red boasts a full body with robust, weighty tannins, while the finish is layered and earthy with subtle hints of tobacco, butter, and mushroom. Montepulciano is one of Italy’s largest export grapes due to its robust tannins and high yields. The Abruzzo region in Eastern Italy is tailor-made for this red wine grape. Mountains in the west taper down to the Adriatic sea in the east, creating beautiful natural landscapes and “the greenest region in Europe.” The extensive coastline covers several microclimates, including clay, sandy, and limestone soils with alluvium deposits, making idyllic growing conditions for a tannic and low-acid red grape like Montepulciano. Bold flavors call for even bolder dishes. Serve this 2021 Montepulciano d’Abruzzo with classic Italian meat dishes like beef bolognese, Pizzaiola, or Ossobuco alla Milanese. If you’re craving a vegetarian dish, seek out savory walnut-lentil bolognese or a buttery, tomato-based pasta dish with vegetarian meatballs.