Ca’ Brigiano Montepulciano d’Abruzzo 2016 Abruzzo, Italy 75cl

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo is one of Italy’s great everyday reds, and the Ca’ Brigiano label offers a straightforward, well-priced introduction to it. The wine comes from Abruzzo, the mountainous region on Italy’s central Adriatic coast where the Montepulciano grape reaches its fullest, friendliest expression.

Not to be confused with the Tuscan town of the same name, the Montepulciano grape gives deeply coloured, fruit-forward reds with gentle tannins. This is a pure Montepulciano made in an approachable style, picking generous ripeness and keeping oak in the background so the fruit stays front and centre. It is the kind of red that earns its place on the everyday table rather than the special-occasion shelf.

The 2016 is made to be enjoyed young, when its fruit is at its most vibrant, rather than cellared away, so there is no need to wait. Abruzzo’s warm days and cool mountain nights help the grape hold on to freshness alongside all that ripe fruit.

In the glass it is a bright ruby, with aromas of black cherry, ripe plum and a floral note of violet over a subtle earthy edge. The palate is medium-bodied and smooth, with soft tannins, juicy dark fruit and a hint of vanilla on the finish. Serve at cool room temperature, or with the lightest chill in warm weather.

This is a versatile midweek red that does not ask much of you or the food. Pour it with pizza, tomato-based pasta, grilled sausages or a simple ragù. If you like an easy Rioja Crianza or a soft Merlot, this Abruzzo red slots neatly into the same everyday role.