Riserva Montepulciano d'Abruzzo (1979)

About this wine

This 1979 Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Riserva presents a deep ruby color with garnet hues, indicative of its extended aging. On the nose, it offers aromas of dried cherries, plums, and subtle notes of leather and tobacco. The palate reveals a harmonious blend of mature fruit flavors, balanced acidity, and softened tannins, leading to a lingering finish. Montepulciano d'Abruzzo wines are known for their robust character and aging potential, and this vintage exemplifies these qualities. The 1979 vintage, in particular, has developed a refined complexity over the decades, making it a noteworthy example of the region's winemaking heritage.

About the grape

Montepulciano is a red grape variety that has been cultivated in Italy for centuries, particularly thriving in the Abruzzo region. Known for its late ripening, it benefits from the region's unique climate, where the proximity of the Apennine mountains to the Adriatic Sea creates ideal conditions for grape growing. This environment helps prevent issues like botrytis rot, which can affect late-ripening varieties. The grape's thick skins contribute to deeply colored wines with moderate acidity and soft tannins, making it a favorite among both producers and consumers. In the 1979 Duchi di Castelluccio Riserva Montepulciano d'Abruzzo, these characteristics would have been prominent, reflecting the grape's adaptability and the region's favorable terroir.

Quick facts

• 🍇 The Montepulciano grape, used in this wine, is known for producing deeply colored wines with soft tannins and moderate acidity, making it approachable and enjoyable.
• 🕰️ The 1979 vintage of this wine is over 45 years old, making it a rare and potentially valuable collector's item.
• 🌱 The Duchi di Castelluccio winery, established in the 1970s, transitioned to organic production in 1990 and became vegan-certified in 2015, showcasing a commitment to sustainable and ethical winemaking practices.
• 🇮🇹 The Montepulciano d'Abruzzo DOC, established in 1968, is one of Italy's most renowned wine regions, celebrated for its high-quality red wines.
• ⛰️ The Abruzzo region, where this wine originates, is characterized by its mountainous terrain and proximity to the Adriatic Sea, providing a unique microclimate that contributes to the distinctive flavors of its wines.

Palate profile

Producer

Duchi di Castelluccio, established in 1971 in the Casauria region of Abruzzo, Italy, has a winemaking heritage dating back to 1889. In 1990, the winery transitioned to organic viticulture, eliminating harmful chemicals, and by 2015, it achieved BioVegan certification by removing all animal-derived products from its winemaking process. The winery's commitment to sustainability and quality has been recognized with multiple awards at Vinitaly from 2020 to 2023. Visitors can experience guided tours and tastings, immersing themselves in the authentic flavors of the Casauria region.