This is one of my favorite types of Italian wines. I discovered it at a friend's restaurant. He serves a similar Montepulciano d'Abruzzo at a good price as his house wine and I really enjoy it.
Years back I took a client to the restaurant and was ready to request my regular and was so disappointed. My guest, who was a vendor and paying, asked to look over the wine list. He was a wine guy and insisted on checking out the wine list so he could select the wine himself.
I'm always one for learning from others and he was open to spending a bit more than I expected. Instead of my $35 - $40 Italian, he went out and got a $125 bottle.
I wish I could remember what it is he ordered. but what I do remember is that I didn't really care for it. It isn't that I was wanting to complain about his not taking my recommnedation, It's just that it wasn't what I like in a wine.
Lesson here is higher price doesn't mean better wine. We all have different tastes and likes.
I will tell you, "I REALLY like this one." Watch me tasting.