Montepulciano d’Abruzzo DOC Amphora 2022

Wine Description for Montepulciano d’Abruzzo DOC Amphora 2022 by Cirelli

Colour & Appearance

A deep garnet red with luminous intensity, which already announces visually the concentration and vitality of this unconventionally crafted Montepulciano.

Nose

The bouquet is remarkably multi-layered and fascinatingly fresh: wild herbs meet floral notes of rose, lavender and violet. These are joined by sour cherry and sloe, underpinned by undergrowth and a fine yeast note, which stems from spontaneous fermentation. This aromatic depth combined with freshness is the hallmark of amphora vinification.

Palate

On the palate, the wine unfolds its full personality: remarkably juicy with a gripping tannin that structures without dominating. The energetic minerality and lively acidity lend the wine a remarkable tension. The texture is characteristically fine-grained – a typical quality of amphora wines, reminiscent of the surface of fired clay. Dark, crisp fruit notes make you eager for the next sip, whilst acidity and minerality additionally encourage drinking.

Grape Variety & Vinification

100% Montepulciano from own and leased vineyards, hand-harvested in crates. After destemming and pressing, spontaneous fermentation takes place in clay amphorae. The grape skins are gently submerged in the juice to avoid excessive tannin extraction. The maceration lasts approximately twelve days, after which the wine matures through malolactic fermentation in the amphorae – an ageing process that emphasises freshness and minerality without sacrificing complexity.

Food Pairing Recommendations

A versatile companion to grilled lamb, beef roulades, pasta all’amatriciana or arrosticini (the typical lamb skewers of Abruzzo). Also an excellent choice with mushroom dishes, hard cheese and game.

Special Features

Francesco Cirelli is among the pioneers of biodynamic viticulture in Abruzzo. His amphora wines are authentic, unfiltered interpretations of the terroir – natural, living and expressive. A wine that demonstrates Montepulciano can do far more than rustic power.