Paladino Montepulciano D'Abruzzo 2024, DOC, Italy

Juicy, no-nonsense Italian red with dark cherry, plum and a hit of liquorice, backed by dried herbs and a little earthy spice. Soft tannins, medium body, and built for food — think yakitori, grilled meats, or anything salty and smoky. Easy drinking, but not boring. Medium-bodied, smooth, and just rustic enough to feel like you’re drinking it in a loud trattoria somewhere in Abruzzo. Dryness (0–10): 7 Body (0–10): 6 Dangerously Smashable (0–10): 9