Niro di Citra Montepulciano D’Abruzzo 2021 Wine Review

Natalie's Score: 90/100

The Niro di Citra Montepulciano d'Abruzzo D.O.P. is a 100% Montepulciano sourced from the sun-drenched hillside vineyards of the Chieti province in Abruzzo, vinified through a long maceration of the skins at controlled temperature to extract every nuance of the grape's remarkable depth, opening with an expressive nose of dark wild cherry, ripe dried plum and a whisper of warm star anise, while the full-bodied palate delivers concentrated flavors of macerated red berry, bitter cocoa and a savory curl of dried tobacco, all framed by smooth, supple tannins and a long, graceful finish. It is bone dry and beautifully generous, so serve it slightly below room temperature and enjoy now through 2032. The wine is crafted by the winemaking team at Citra, one of Italy's largest and most celebrated cooperatives, founded in 1973 and representing nearly 3,000 passionate growers whose families have tended these same hillside vineyards since antiquity, with winemaking traditions in the Chieti area stretching back to the Classical Age of ancient Rome. The Niro name itself is a tribute to the word for black, the color by which Montepulciano wines were historically identified in centuries past, and Citra has been honoured as the most awarded winery in all of Abruzzo, with the 2016 vintage of this very wine earning an extraordinary 95 points at the Decanter World Wine Awards. Pour it alongside a hearty Sicilian gnocchi with spicy sausage ragu, where the wine's dark fruit and earthy depth weave seamlessly through the richness of the dish, or serve it with hand-rolled meat ravioli in a slow-simmered tomato and basil sauce, letting the wine's supple tannins and warm spice rise beautifully to meet every satisfying bite.

Montepulciano D’Abruzzo food pairings: Sicilian gnocchi with sausage ragu, meat ravioli with a rich tomato sauce.

Magnificent Meat Pizza Wine

This Niro di Citra Montepulciano D’Abruzzo 2021 was reviewed on August 15, 2026 by Natalie MacLean

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Please note that our reviews are based on a variety of sources: samples sent to our team, those we purchase in store, tasting events, those tasted in restaurants and while traveling domestically and internationally.