Montepulciano d'Abruzzo (1968)

About this wine

The 1968 Montepulciano d'Abruzzo by Emidio Pepe offers a captivating experience with its deep ruby color and subtle brick-red hues at the rim. On the nose, it presents a complex bouquet of dried cherries, leather, and earthy undertones, reflecting its decades of maturation. The palate is rich and full-bodied, featuring flavors of blackberries, licorice, and a touch of spice, all balanced by a vibrant acidity that has preserved its freshness over time. The tannins have softened beautifully, providing a velvety texture that leads to a long, harmonious finish. This vintage stands as a testament to Emidio Pepe's dedication to traditional winemaking methods, including hand destemming and fermentation in concrete tanks, which have contributed to the wine's remarkable longevity and depth.

About the grape

Montepulciano is a red grape variety native to Italy, primarily grown in the Abruzzo region. It's known for producing deeply colored wines with moderate acidity and soft tannins. Emidio Pepe, a renowned winemaker from Abruzzo, began crafting Montepulciano d'Abruzzo wines in 1964, emphasizing traditional methods like hand-harvesting and fermenting in concrete tanks. His 1968 vintage is notable for showcasing the grape's potential for aging and complexity.

Quick facts

• 🍷 Emidio Pepe's 1968 Montepulciano d'Abruzzo was among the first vintages he bottled, marking the beginning of his legacy in producing age-worthy wines.
• 🏺 The 1968 vintage was crafted using traditional methods, including hand destemming and fermentation in glass-lined cement tanks, without the use of oak barrels.
• ⏳ Emidio Pepe's wines are known for their longevity, with bottles from the 1960s still exhibiting remarkable freshness and complexity.
• 🏞️ The 1968 Montepulciano d'Abruzzo reflects the unique terroir of Abruzzo, benefiting from the region's proximity to both the Adriatic Sea and the Apennine Mountains.
• 🌱 Emidio Pepe's commitment to biodynamic farming and minimal intervention winemaking has set a benchmark for natural wines in Italy.

Palate profile

Producer

Emidio Pepe founded his eponymous winery in 1964 in Torano Nuovo, Abruzzo, Italy, building upon his family's winemaking legacy that dates back to 1899. Renowned for his commitment to traditional, artisanal methods, Pepe eschewed modern machinery, opting instead for hand-harvesting, foot-treading of white grapes, and fermentation in concrete tanks. The winery has been a pioneer in biodynamic viticulture, achieving Demeter certification in 2006. Today, the estate is managed by the fourth and fifth generations of the Pepe family, continuing its dedication to producing age-worthy wines that authentically express the Abruzzo terroir.