Montepulciano

Dark ruby red with a brick-red-orange tapered rim. The nose of the 2003 Montepulciano d'Abruzzo is powerful and concentrated with notes of Grand Marnier, plum jam, stewed fruit and a little port at the start. The maturity of the vintage condenses in the concentrated fruit in joyful interplay with the tart aroma of ripe tannins. With increasing aeration, the ripe notes integrate into the overall appearance and are complemented by mild spices such as cloves, allspice, black pepper and green cardamom as well as the distinctive umami impression of beef jerky. Open-hearted on the palate and, despite the expansive ripe fruit, stringent and taut on the palate. Tobacco and leather aromas join the extract-sweet fruit of Amarena cherries and fully ripe plums. In addition, there is the impression of dark chocolate, whose bitterness tips over into a slightly astringent sweetness. Extremely drinkable, it shines on the palate with silky, glistening tannins and an expansive hedonistic nature. Further proof that 2003 gains in greatness with increasing maturity. SUPERIORE.DE

"In the philosophy of our company, the ageing of the wines has always played a decisive role. This is the reason why we are proud today to be able to offer many of the oldest vintages directly from our cellar. We differentiate as follows: In each year we make two bottlings. Younger vintages that we put on the Italian market come from younger vineyards and the wines from the old vines we let mature in our cellar for at least 5 years and then only gradually put them on the global market. For better differentiation, the latter wines bear the seal 'Selezione Vecchie Vigne'. Another important aspect is that all bottles that are more than 10 years old are decanted and individually checked before they start their journey to our customers, re-corked." Emidio pepe

"Ripe and aromatic, with an undercurrent of cured olive, grilled rosemary, sanguine and dark roasted espresso running through the concentrated black cherry fruit. Well-defined, as juicy acidity keeps the long finish moving." Wine Spectator

pep’s 2003 Montepulciano d’Abruzzo is a bomb. Tar, leather, scorched earth and black fruit emerge from this dark, imposing Montepulciano. The wine comes together beautifully in the glass, as the aromas and flavors gain breadth and dimension. Despite the rich style, there is nothing excessive or over-ripe here, just exceptional balance of ripe fruit as captured by a traditional approach to vinification. A final blast of tar informs the long finish." Wine Advocate

Kurni is an exceptionally opulent wine and consists of one hundred per cent Montepulciano grapes, which are partially dried. This makes Kurni - stylistically speaking - central Italy's answer to high-calibre Amarone. Clearly defined, multi-layered, dark cherries, oriental spices, savoury, balsamic, lush, sweet and voluminous, exploding fruit, refined tannins, an incessant final and and and ... SUPERIORE.DE

"Deep dark purple colour. Initially somewhat restrained on the nose, fine earthy notes, cassis, cigar box, smoke, after a little time on dark chocolate. Opens up with great creaminess and mellowness on the palate, powerful, very complex, yet elegant despite its concentration, very great length, currently still a little young." Falstaff

The extremely successful "Binomio" joint venture between Fattoria La Valentina and Azienda Agricola Inama is entering a new round. On the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the La Valentina winery, a new wine was born, which is only produced in the best vintages and in limited small editions.

2017 was a very hot year and in some areas of the Binomio vineyard, the Montepulciano grapes were extremely concentrated. This gave rise to the idea of making a top selection of the grapes for the first time, because under the good shade of the foliage, they showed a particular flawlessness of flavours and promised an even more concise interpretation of the essence of Binomio. With patience and care, this small and exceptional portion of the fascinating grapes was then selected and the foundation stone was laid for the small "Binomio Collezione" series, which is only produced in the best years. With the first vintage 2017, 3,000 bottles are now available in the hand-picked specialised trade.

Deep, shimmering ruby red colour. Intense bouquet with heavy aromas of redcurrants and sour cherries, accompanied by hints of roasted almonds, gentian violets and a delicate spiciness. On the palate, the wine reveals all its complexity and opulence, framed by tightly woven, well-integrated tannins in a perfect balance between warmth and softness. A deep wine that only reveals itself with some aeration and is proof of the outstanding characteristics of the grape variety and terroir. SUPERIORE.DE

"Deep, dark ruby red with an opaque centre. On the nose, preserved cherry, ripe plum, dark chocolate, a hint of nougat, grated wild berries, delicate sealing wax. Very dense on the palate with a creamy texture, almost oily, currently still with a lot of tannin, becomes slightly broad-meshed in the final and remains drying." Falstaff

"Dark and brooding, the 2017 Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Binomio Collezione opens with hints of cedar and sweet spices complementing the crushed plums. It flows across the palate with silky textures and masses of ripe red and blue fruits, neatly balanced by a hint of citrus towards the end. Violet candy, lavender and mint can be found as the 2017 finishes powerful and fresh." Vinous

"Floral black fruits on the nose, with notes of black liquorice and pressed flowers. Full-bodied, round and silky on the palate, firm but not chewy, with liquorice fruit and grainy, fruity tannins. Balanced and long. Accessible now, but made to last. Best from 2025 onwards." James Suckling

The Montepulciano vines for this powerful and terroir-rich Montepulciano grow on the Campo San Giorgio vineyard at an altitude of about 150 m on deep, chalky clay soils. The wine is unfiltered and unfined and matures for 12 months in small and large wooden barrels. The label represents the historic design of the Rosso Conero of the 1970s and the impressive result is the calling card of a long family tradition and expertise in viticulture.

Deep dark ruby red with violet and garnet reflections. Very expressive on the nose with a fruity style of cherry, plum, liquorice and herbal spice. Fresh and firm on the palate, the delicate extract sweetness gives it harmony and the silky tannins lead into a warm, very long finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark shining ruby red. In the nose of juicy, ripe raspberries and cherries, shows elegant leather spice, cedar wood, a hint of blood orange in the aftertaste. On the palate initially with elegant creaminess, shows racy acidity in fine interplay with tannin and fruit, spans a wide, fine arc, slightly salty in the final." Falstaff

"This has aromas of black fruit, leather, charcoal and toast. Some iodine and grilled herbs. It’s medium-to full-bodied with firm, chewy tannins. Charred-wood character at the moment, but it’s long and shows excellent concentration." James Suckling

"With only 6,000 bottles made, the Umani Ronchi 2018 Conero Riserva Campo San Giorgio is a terrific expression of Montepulciano that highlights elegance and persistence. This vintage saw very healthy fruit, and you taste pure tones of plum, blackberry, spice and garden herb. The tannins are etched and graceful, giving the Campo San Giorgio lots of solid support at the back. This is a beautiful wine." Wine Advocate

Decanted, tested and re-corked at the winery | Ruby red colour with violet reflections and a black core. Dark forest berries such as blackberries and mulberries on the nose, underpinned by warm undergrowth notes. Then ripe blood oranges and subtle cedar notes. On the palate, it is defined by flavours of liquorice, the tannins are close-knit and low-pore, reminiscent of the finest dark chocolate and control the generously juicy fruit with their delicate play. Armed for many years of bottle ageing, we recommend reaching for a carafe in its youthful stage. Then it reveals itself with stimulatingly tart flavours of dark tobacco and enormous pressure, dark, dense and rich with an orchestral finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"The ageing of wines has always played a decisive role in the philosophy of our company. This is the reason why today we are proud to be able to offer many of the oldest vintages directly from our cellar. We differentiate as follows: We make two bottlings each year. Younger vintages, which we bring to the Italian market, come from younger vineyards and the wines from the old vines are left to mature in our cellar for at least 5 years before being gradually released onto the global market. The latter wines are labelled 'Selezione Vecchie Vigne' to make it easier to distinguish them. Another important aspect is that all bottles that are over 10 years old are decanted and individually checked before they are re-corked and sent on their journey to our customers." Emidio pepe

"Brilliant medium ruby red with orange-coloured reflections. Cool, red-fruity bouquet with spices, hints of iron and tobacco leaves. Cool and lean on the palate with plenty of acidity, grainy tannins and slender red fruits. Hints of tobacco and rusty nails on the finish. Very elegant and supple." Jancis Robinson

"The Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Vecchie Vigne 2002 tantalises the senses with a cool blend of dried strawberries, cinnamon and dusty rose. It washes over the palate with lightness, serene and pure in flavour, with pretty red berries and a subtle hint of flinty minerality. The fruit concentration lingers, along with gentle tannins and a pleasant burst of inner sweetness as the 2002 finishes with a tension in the cheeks. A lightness of being." Vinous

Decanted, tested and re-corked at the winery | SUPERIORE.DE

"The ageing of wines has always played a decisive role in the philosophy of our company. This is the reason why today we are proud to be able to offer many of the oldest vintages directly from our cellar. We differentiate as follows: We make two bottlings each year. Younger vintages, which we bring to the Italian market, come from younger vineyards and the wines from the old vines are left to mature in our cellar for at least 5 years before being gradually released onto the global market. The latter wines are labelled 'Selezione Vecchie Vigne' to make it easier to distinguish them. Another important aspect is that all bottles that are over 10 years old are decanted and individually checked before they are re-corked and sent on their journey to our customers." Emidio pepe

"Roasted meat, dried fruit and leathery complexity on the nose and palate, a kind of Burgundy-Bordeaux blend that is nevertheless uniquely Italian. Deep and lingering, with absolute balance." Jancis Robinson

"The very classic 2000 Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Vecchie Vigne exudes an earthy blend of undergrowth, savoury herbs and animal musk notes before releasing its notes of red-hot cherries and crushed plums. On the palate, it presents a silky texture that conveys pure elegance and balance. Ripe red fruits saturate and leave a mineral colour under a hint of tobacco. A core of lively acidity ensures perfect balance. The 2000 finishes lightly structured, long and with plenty of energy. This textbook vintage from Emidio pepis a pure pleasure to taste and harbours many years of steady, positive development. Nevertheless, the wine should be given time to open up in the bottle so that its flavours can fully develop. What a treasure." Vinous

Decanted, tested and re-corked at the winery. SUPERIORE.DE

"The ageing of wines has always played a decisive role in the philosophy of our company. This is the reason why today we are proud to be able to offer many of the oldest vintages directly from our cellar. We differentiate as follows: We make two bottlings each year. Younger vintages, which we bring to the Italian market, come from younger vineyards and the wines from the old vines are left to mature in our cellar for at least 5 years before being gradually released onto the global market. The latter wines are labelled 'Selezione Vecchie Vigne' to make it easier to distinguish them. Another important aspect is that all bottles that are over 10 years old are decanted and individually checked before being re-corked and sent on their journey to our customers." Emidio pepe

"Concentrated, medium ruby red with a narrow orange rim. This wine shows kinship with the 2005 in terms of perfect concentration and incredible depth, but this one is even more focused and layered and still youthful. Dark and red fruits with a hint of smoke that turns to spice the longer the wine sits in the glass. A lifted acidity that blends with the fruit. Juicy, fresh cherry and plenty of enveloping tannins that never gain the upper hand. Long, cool and elegant." Jancis Robinson

"The 2001 is a sultry and flirtatious vintage of pep's Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Vecchie Vigne. Initially dark and a little cloudy, it takes almost an hour to give off a musky, almost woolly, mineral and animal note; but underneath it all are flavours of tobacco, cherry sauce, scorched earth and a mentholated, herbal freshness that gives it a wonderful lift. This soft, almost fleshy wine finds a beautiful harmony through a blend of nervous acidity and citrusy red fruits that give it a very energetic and almost juicy flavour. Nuances of blood orange and a hint of inner sweetness mingle with an inner sensation of wet autumn leaves, while the 2001 finishes completely resolved, long and with a hint of balsamic spice that still lingers. It takes a little work to unlock the 2001's charms, but you should be lucky if you don't gulp down the whole bottle as soon as it's opened." Vinous