© Copyright 1997 by Robin Garr. All rights reserved.

Abruzzo is on the Adriatic, east of Rome. For a more detailed map, see the Windows on Italy page. Filomusi Guelfi 1994 Montepulciano d'Abruzzo ($10.99) A bit on the pricey side for a niche that's filled mostly with "spaghetti wines" selling for roughly half the toll; but this one proves to be worth it, a warm and quaffable table red with unexpected balance and character. It's a very dark, almost inky garnet in color, with black fruit aromas and an odd but appetizing whiff of coffee. Full and ripe black-fruit flavors are backed by bright acidity, with good fruit and pleasant spice continuing in a long finish. Importer: Vintner Select, Cincinnati. (Oct. 24, 1997) All my wine-tasting reports are consumer-oriented. In order to maintain objectivity and avoid conflicts of interest, I purchase all the wines I rate at my own expense in retail stores.