2016 Giuliano Rosati

The Abruzzo wine region is located in mountainous central Italy just east of Rome, and is known for being Italy’s fifth most productive wine region. Wines from Abruzzo made from the Montepulciano grape are not to be confused with wines from Montepulciano — a town in Tuscany. While Montepulciano grapes can be used to create rosé, reds dominate in the Abruzzo region. The name Giuliano Rosati pays homage to winemakers’ Dan Bada and Charlie Trivinia’s Italian family heritage — Giuliano was Charlie’s father’s first name while his grandmother’s maiden name was Rosati.

This is the kind of wine you want to drink while eating a dinner cooked with friends that goes late into the night. Floral on the nose and palate, but not overpowering, this wine smells like soft, wilted pink roses. With its mouthwatering acidity that keeps you coming back for more, this bold red is best paired with heartier fare like osso bucco or pasta with salsa cruda and burrata, which are as warm and comforting as the time spent with your best friends.