Montepulciano d’Abruzzo DOC Amphora 2020

Wine Characteristics:
Francesco Cirelli, a virtuoso in wine making, uses almost exclusively home-grown grapes for his Amphora collection, grown in his rural winery in the southern sub-region of Teramo. The farm is located in the picturesque surroundings of the Calanchi, an area of rugged limestone slopes shaped by centuries of erosion. Cirelli takes a modern and sophisticated approach to winemaking, focusing on the three main grape varieties of the Abruzzo region - Trebbiano, Pecorino and Montepulciano d'Abruzzo.

Winemaking:
The noble Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Amphora grapes are carefully destemmed and gently pressed after a 24-hour maceration in the amphora. The must then returns to the amphorae, which are sunk into the earth, where it ferments spontaneously and undergoes malolactic fermentation. The wine receives a touch of sulphur for stabilisation before bottling.

Vision:
The wine is a muted violet red, with a purple tinge that lightens towards the rim.

Sense of smell:
The 2020 Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Amphora is a fruit explosion, with rich aromas of juicy black cherries, blackberries and blackcurrants. It is joined by notes of fruit tea, liquorice and smoke, as well as a hint of tar. A beguiling wine whose fragrance makes you dive deep. Wild herbs, sage, thyme and rosemary underline its refreshing Mediterranean character.

Taste:
In the mouth, it presents itself with dark fruits, a striking tannin structure, an invigorating acidity and a stimulating minerality. A fascinating red wine, full of expression and drinking pleasure. Ideal companion to spicy and herb-intensive dishes. Best served chilled and decanted in large glasses.

Food recommendations:
Grilled beetroot with goat's cheese, rocket, cashew nuts and balsamic. Marinated pork chop with fresh fig and olive-tomato salsa. Entrecote with grilled asparagus and Provençal butter.