Emidio Pepe 2010 Montepulciano d'Abruzzo DOC

Emidio Pepe 2010 Montepulciano d'Abruzzo DOC

Item Number: 10755

UPC: None

Country: Italy
Region: Abruzzo
Sub Region: Teramo
Appellation/AVA: Montepulciano d'Abruzzo DOC
Estate Grown Wine: Yes
Vintage: 2010
Grape(s): 100% Montepulciano
Type: Wine - Red
Bottle Size: 750 ml
Pack: 1
Closure: Cork
Alc by Vol(%): 13.5
Viticulture: Certified Biodynamic

Winemaking Notes: Harvest is done by hand with strict grape selection; they pick in different phases to select bunches of grapes according to their ripening. Destemming is done by hand in wooden tubs with a special net placed on top. No additives or sulfites are added. Wine undergoes natural, indigenous yeast fermentation. The Montepulciano is fermented for about 10-12 days and subsequently aged for 24 months in glass-lined cement, which Pepe prefers over oak. After spending at least two years in glass-lined tanks, it is bottled unfined and unfiltered for further aging in cellar. As the wine ages, it undergoes malolactic fermentation naturally. Before being released the bottles are opened and decanted one by one by Rosa Pepe, the family matriarch, into new bottles after which they are re-corked, labeled by hand and shipped. There is no fining, filtration, or SO2 added during the second bottling.

Reviews

  • The Wine Spectator
    Rating: 93 (10/15/2017)
    Appealing flavors of baked raspberry, orange zest, dried thyme and coffee liqueur ripple across the palate in this elegant, medium-to full-bodied red, which is bright and harmonious, with creamy tannins and a subtle, lingering finish of tar and loamy earth notes. Drink now through 2030.
  • Vinous
    Rating: 95+ (6/1/2017)
    Precise, spicy aromas of ripe red berries, dark plum and violet accented by cumin and caraway seed. At once densely packed and broad but juicy and refined too, boasting terrific acid-fruit-tannin balance and penetrating red cherry, underbrush and sweet spice flavors. This lovely wine is suave and fine-grained and finishes very long. It would be prudent to decant this at least two-three hours ahead; one bottle I had was initially marred by almost unacceptable levels of funkiness, another was instead brilliantly pure and clean, so allowing this wine to breathe a little prior to serving is not a bad idea.
  • Vinous
    Rating: 97 (10/20/2022)
    The 2010 Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Vecchie Vigne is a total showstopper with its deep, dark, purple, red color. The intense bouquet blends fresh plums with black raspberries, sweet peppery curry, tobacco, leather and balsamic spice. It flows across the palate in silken waves, communicating elegance at the start. Within moments, a tart burst of cranberry and sour cherries combines with nervous acidity to create a juicy impression with riveting tension. The 2010 is rich and potent; it leaves a staining of concentration while remaining incredibly fresh. The balanced bite of tannin that remains creates a classically dry finale. A minute goes by, and dried citrus rinds, hints of coffee grinds and black licorice are still present. This is easily the most moving experience that I've ever had with an Emidio Pepe Montepulciano. The 2010 is in a gorgeous place today and has a very bright future.