Questo vino
Vineyard and terroir
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo comes from the Cantalupo single vineyard in the Notaresco valley. The prime hillside site benefits from the interaction of the high Gran Sasso massif and the Adriatic coast, which creates a distinctive microclimate and favourable soil structure.
Grapes
100% Montepulciano d’Abruzzo.
Vinification
Harvest takes place in the third decade of September. Bunches are selected individually, picked by hand and placed in small cases of approximately 5 kg. The grapes spend about 120 days in a temperature-controlled drying room, with temperature and humidity adjusted during the process. By the end of drying they have lost approximately 40% of their water content and developed the characteristic fruit aromas of appassimento.
After gentle pressing, fermentative maceration takes place in stainless-steel tanks for 6 months at 25–30°C.
Ageing
Eighteen months in American-oak barriques.
Tasting profile
Deep ruby red with violet to black-plum nuances. The complex bouquet brings together ripe fruit, raisins, blackberry, sour cherry and cinnamon, followed by vanilla and dark chocolate. The full, fleshy palate layers blackcurrant and fruit preserved in alcohol with pepper, tobacco and liquorice; cocoa, mocha and caramel-toffee nuances also emerge. Savouriness and acidity balance the velvety, powdery tannins. The finish is exceptionally long, recalling the toasted character acquired from oak.
Serving and pairing
Serve at 18°C. Its weight and structure suit feathered or furred game, red meat and long-aged cheeses; it is also conceived as a contemplative wine for lengthy conversations.