Tasting - Cortenova Montepulciano d'Abruzzo

Name: Cortenove
Variety: 100% Montepulciano d'Abruzzo
Region: Montepulciano d'Abruzzo
Country: Italy
Year: 2010
Price: $6.95

Critic Review:  "100% Montepulciano d' Abruzzo. Deep ruby red color with violet highlights and a pleasant and fruity bouquet. Full bodied, soft tannins and good acidity. Excellent with pasta dishes and red meats."

My Review:  There was a very strong smell of oak, and even a little bit of formaldehyde, which was kind of off-putting.  So I wasn't a big fan on the smell, but I did like the taste of the wine.  It was not too dry, and had a nice balance of acidity and tannins.  This wine tasted fruity, like berries, and would pair nicely with pasta.

I tasted this wine without food.