About this wine
Contesa Montepulciano d’Abruzzo DOC Riserva is made entirely from Montepulciano grown at Catignano in the province of Pescara. For the 2022 release, the fruit comes from a vineyard more than 25 years old, field-grafted with buds selected from a historic Catignano vineyard. The site lies at 350 metres above sea level on clay-limestone soil. The vines are planted in rows at a density of 4,000 plants per hectare, trained to spurred cordon and cropped at 100 quintals per hectare. The relatively loose bunches are suited to late harvesting, which takes place around the middle of October.
Vinification and ageing
The grapes are pressed and macerated for three to four weeks, with pump-overs used to work the cap. Malolactic fermentation takes place in stainless steel. After a short period in storage, the wine matures for approximately 30 months in casks of various sizes. Racking is carried out when required to aid clarification and protein and tartrate stability. The wine is bottled without filtration and receives at least another six months of bottle ageing.
Technical data
The current published vintage is 2022. The wine is 100% Montepulciano, with 1.5 g/L residual sugar, and is presented in a 750 ml bottle.
Tasting profile
The 2022 is a deep, intense ruby red with violet reflections. Its concentrated aromas evoke ripe plum and fig with spicy accents. Full-bodied on the palate, it has powerful, persistent tannins and a vigorous expression of Montepulciano.
Serving and pairing
Pair with substantial pasta dishes, red meat, roasts, braised meat, game, mature cheeses or cured meats. Pappardelle with wild-boar sauce is a particularly suitable match. The expected longevity is eight to ten years from the harvest.
