Il Bucco, Montepulciano d'Abruzzo, Abruzzo, 2024

A soft, rounded Montepulciano d'Abruzzo that over-delivers for its price, with the gentle smokiness that makes this grape so easy to like.

Medium-bodied, with ripe plum and blackcurrant, well-judged acidity and a juicy, supple finish full of red fruit.

Drink it with: Pizza, pasta with tomato sauces, sausages or a midweek lasagne. An easy bottle to open with friends.

When to drink: Drink now while the fruit is fresh.

The producer: Il Bucco is one of our most reliable everyday Italian reds.