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Emidio Pepe
350,000 bottles are stored in Torano Nuovo's treasure trove - some for thirty years before they leave the winery. The Emidio Pepe winery practises a vinification method that has disappeared elsewhere: each grape is picked by hand and fermentation begins in the fruit through semi-carbonic maceration. Since 1964, the family has been vinifying Montepulciano and Trebbiano on 17 hectares according to biodynamic principles. Today, three generations work hand in hand.
More about Emidio Pepe
Berry by berry: the most elaborate harvest in Italy
Hand removal reaches a new dimension at Emidio Pepe: while other winegrowers pick grapes by hand, the Pepe family separates each individual berry from the stalk - a process that is almost unique in the world. This extreme selection enables a Semi-carbonic fermentation, which already begins in the intact fruit. Wild yeasts from our own vineyards initiate the process, without any oenological correction.
Emidio Pepe, born in 1932, developed this method to perfection from 1964 onwards, which his daughters Sofia and Daniela continue today. The grape variety Montepulciano shows a complexity under this treatment that only becomes apparent after 20 years cellar maturity reaches its full potential.
Pergola and polyculture in the Colline Teramane
Sixteen kilometres from the Adriatic Sea, on clay-limestone soils between 280 and 380 metres above sea level, the vines grow in the traditional way. Pergola education. Cooling winds from the Gran Sasso massif create ideal conditions for slow ripening. Cereals and vegetables thrive between the rows of vines - a polyculture that Emidio's grandfather already practised.
The Massive selection is made from 100-year-old clones that guarantee genetic diversity. The „Branella“ vineyard, cultivated in pergola form since 1971, supplies the grapes for the legendary Selezione wines. Besides Valentini Emidio Pepe is one of Abruzzo's most influential names, having won international recognition for this long underestimated region.
The treasure trove: decades of patience
350,000 bottles rest in the cellars of Torano Nuovo - a warehouse that is second to none. Only when Emidio Pepe deems a vintage ready to drink does it leave the winery. Some wines wait over three decades for their release. These Extreme storage policy makes it possible to offer fully developed Montepulciano, such as the Montepulciano 2003 or the already legendary Montepulciano 2002.
Three generations, one vision
Today, granddaughters Chiara (export) and Elisa (hospitality) are leading the legacy into the fourth generation. Daughter Sofia is responsible for the vineyard and cellar, while Daniela is in charge of administration. This continuity guarantees that the uncompromising philosophy of the unfiltered, natural vinification is preserved.
Of particular interest to collectors are the „Decanted“ bottlings such as the Montepulciano 2000 decanted, from which the natural sediment has been removed by decanting. They show Montepulciano d'Abruzzo in its purest, clearest form - proof of the extraordinary ageing potential of this underestimated Italian grape variety.