Montepulciano d’Abruzzo DOC, Sel. Vecchie Vigne, decanted 2001

Wine description for Montepulciano d'Abruzzo DOC, Sel. Vecchie Vigne, decanted 2001 from Emidio Pepe

Colour & appearance

In the glass, this mature Montepulciano presents itself with a deep garnet red colour that fades to a delicate brick shade at the edge - a silent witness to its two decades of bottle ageing and artisanal vinification.

Nose

The bouquet reveals a Fascinating complexityDried cherries, blackberry jam and black olives are accompanied by a subtle spiciness of black pepper and bay leaf. With aeration, secondary aromas of leather, tobacco and a hint of forest floor unfold - the olfactory signature of a great, mature wine.

Palate

Pepe's true mastery is evident on the palate: despite being 20 years old, the wine still possesses remarkable freshness and vitality. The tannins are fully integrated, silky and supple. The moderate acidity forms the perfect backbone for the concentrated flavours of dark fruits, undergrowth and Mediterranean herbs. The finish is long, complex and characterised by an elegant mineral note.

General information

This Montepulciano comes from old vines (Vecchie Vigne) from the outstanding 2001 vintage. Emidio Pepe, a pioneer of biodynamic viticulture in Abruzzo, has created a masterpiece here that demonstrates the timelessness of great Italian wines. Traditional manual harvesting, treading the grapes with the feet and the renunciation of modern cellar technology result in a wine of exceptional authenticity and terroir expression.

Food pairing suggestions

This mature Montepulciano calls for worthy companions: Game with wild mushrooms, Braised leg of lamb with rosemary or Matured pecorino cheese harmonise perfectly with its complexity. Also to Truffle dishes it unfolds its full potential.

Special features

What characterises this wine is its ability to combine the power and structure of Montepulciano with an almost Burgundian elegance. It impressively demonstrates why Emidio Pepe is one of the icons of Italian viticulture. Decanting, as the name suggests, is not just a recommendation for this wine, but a necessity in order to develop its full expressive power - a living contemporary document of the art of winemaking in Abruzzo.