Wines from Abruzzo

Deep dark ruby red. Full, deep and explosive bouquet reminiscent of dark berries, tobacco and liquorice. Illuminati's single-vineyard classic Zanna, with its elegant, very complex taste and delicate oak spice, leaves nothing to be desired every year. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2017 Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Riserva Zanna, with its dark purple hue, slowly comes to life in the glass. A blend of blackberries and currants is complemented by nuances of mint, chalk dust and exotic spices. The palate is washed by mineral red berries and mentholated herbal notes that unfold towards the end. A layer of fine-grained tannins saturates the palate and gives it a youthful structure, supported by a touch of residual acidity that maintains balance. Give it another year of ageing for best effect." Vinous

"Rich red and black berries with notes of shellfish, dried herbs and a hint of balsamic. Medium to full body with a relaxed palate where the firm, fine and polished tannins bring out a drier aspect of the fruit. This wine needs another year to come together better. Try it from 2023." James Suckling

"This balanced, polished red wine displays rich aromas of red cherries dipped in alcohol with accents of menthol and tobacco. The palate is soft and supple, with a perky cherry flavour wrapped in dewy herbs and cigar box accents. Gentle tannins and bright acidity give this red wine a coherent texture." Wine Enthusiast

"With a dark appearance and the bold concentration of a hot vintage, the Illuminati 2017 Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Colline Teramane Riserva Zanna plays up its dense flavors of black fruit, spice and sweet earth. The bouquet is very generous, and this large-scale approach gives this wine plenty of latitude for grilled meat dishes." Wine Advocate

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

Bright yellow colour. Apple jelly, lime, lemon curd and sweet herbs on the enthralling nose. Soft and supple on the palate, with corresponding flavours and a hint of ginger spice on the long, juicy finish. Hardly any white wine from Abruzzo will be more exciting over the next few years than the white flagship of extreme winemaker Emidio pep- so patience will pay off! 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

"The 2021 Trebbiano d’Abruzzo has a tropical flair, even as it displays fantastic refinement and poise. A blend of lime zest, lychee, minty herbs, stone dust, and camphor aromas waft from the glass. This fills the palate with soothingly round textures, displaying a nearly oily feel. Raw almond notes enrich yellow apples and gingery spices. The 2021 tapers off potent and long, allowing its minerality to surface as a lovely hint of peach sorbet and tropical citrus slowly fades." Vinous

Born in 1932, Emidio peplives by the motto "Life in wine". His respect for his 18 hectares of vineyards, the traditional values of viticulture in Abruzzo and the certified organic and biodynamic techniques result in wines with an unmistakable, genuine character. This Trebbiano, which is pressed with the feet, is fermented in concrete vats where it matures for two years. The aromas of broom, golden plums and white pepper lead to a wonderfully spicy, full-bodied flavour that is characterised by old-world charm and pleasant balance." Decanter

As every year, Emidio pep's Pecorino is one of Italy's outstanding white wines. pepPecorino vineyard was planted between 2006 and 2007 on white clay soil with a northern exposure. It took the family some time to fully understand the grape variety, to cultivate it and to mould it in the winery. For some years now, it has been clear that the family is impressively realising the supernatural potential of this small vineyard. In the glass, it opens excitingly with a herbaceous note, dried apricots and a hint of sweet spices. Its soft textures soothe the palate, while a mixture of zesty acidity, green citrus fruit and a hint of sour melon add tension as the wine progresses. The overall impression is one of great primary concentration, tension, a hint of lime and a savoury intensity that finishes with great persistence. 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

"The 2021 Pecorino is decidedly spicey. Mint and sweet sage complement sour melon and green apple aromas. Potent yet juicy in character, it floods the palate with masses of citrus-tinged orchard fruits catapulted forward by a core of brilliant acidity and minerality. This tapers off with a tropical flourish, leaving hints of nectarine and young mango while finishing long yet wickedly fresh. It's difficult not to drink this instead of just taste." Vinous

The vines for Emidio's new and second single vineyard "Branella" are, believe it or not, almost 70 years old. In these young days, the wine is finer and more elegant, but also more restrained than its cru counterpart "Casa pep". With increasing aeration, it shows a freshness and berry flavour that leads to more and more juiciness and an incredible length after a few more hours, which once again impressively proves that Emidio pepis the uncrowned king of the Montepulciano grape. The impatient will open the first bottle many hours before drinking, but with more discipline, the decision can only be made: Put it deep in the cellar and wait for another terrific development ... SUPERIORE.DE

"Spicy and floral, the recently bottled 2021 Montepulciano d’Abruzzo Vecchie Vigne Branella smolders up with an earthy blend of crushed rocks, iron, freshly tilled soil and dried black cherries. This dazzles with its vividly ripe blackberry fruits and exotic spices. Sour citrus contrasts the grippy tannins that mount toward the close. The 2021 finishes pleasantly chewy and structured with silty tannins. The 2021 ends incredibly long with a bitter blackberry concentration and violet inner florals. The warmth of the vintage can be felt in the tannins, yet balance is expertly maintained."

Here comes the second vintage from Emidio pepsmall parcel called "Casa pep", which once again sets the tone in terms of concentration and expression. This top-class Montepulciano only reveals its true complexity and its concert of flavours after many hours and you would be well advised to open the bottle in good time or to keep it in the cellar for a few more years. SUPERIORE.DE

"A cascade of roses and violets gives way to crushed blackberries and wet stones as the 2021 Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Vecchie Vigne Casa pepblossoms in the glass. This wine is luxuriously round and juicy, with an abundance of wild berries supported by lively acidity. A hint of bitterness and grainy tannins enliven the palate. The 2021 finishes with a tart concentration and is pleasantly viscous. It has only just been bottled and will certainly develop wonderfully over time." Vinous

Ruby red in 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

"Sour citrus fruit mingles with earthy tones, animal musk, cocoa and earl grey as the 2009 Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Vecchie Vigne slowly unfolds in the glass. Aromatically intense and only just ripe, it is soft and enveloping on the palate, but with more vigour than expected. A lively acidity adds dimension to the dried black cherry fruit. Blood orange and saline minerals combine to create a salty citrus tone as the 2009 finishes with youthful tannins that tug at the palate. It is at a beautiful stage, already appealing to lovers of mature wines, but also showing incredible energy and freshness." Vinous

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

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

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 | Text to follow shortly. 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

"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 lots 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

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