Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Riserva Praesidium 2019

Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Riserva Praesidium represents anancestral expression of Montepulciano produced in the original cradle of this important Abruzzo variety. In fact, some scholars claim that the origin of Montepulciano is to be found in the hinterland of L'Aquila, particularly in the hills of the Peligna Valley, an area where the small Praesidium winery operates. Regardless of this, the Pasquale family, at the helm of the winery, produces a Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Riserva with authentically traditional traits, far from any form of oenological conformism.

The production of Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Praesidium Riserva begins with the cultivation of only Montepulciano grapes grown in the hills of the western Peligna Valley, at an altitude of around 400 metres. The vines benefit from the clayey matrix of the soils, rich in skeleton, siliceous pebbles and limestone, as well as from the organic management applied by the Pasquale family. Following the harvest, which is carried out entirely by hand, the grapes are mellowed in stainless steel tanks, where alcoholic fermentation takes place entirely spontaneously thanks to the sole action of indigenous yeasts, accompanied by approximately two weeks of maceration on the skins. Le vin est ensuite conservé dans des cuves en acier inoxydable pendant 20 à 24 mois, puis dans des fûts de chêne de Slavonie et des tonneaux de chêne français pendant 20 à 24 mois supplémentaires.

In the glass, Praesidium Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Riserva has a deep ruby-red colour with garnet highlights. The nose offers notes of cherry in alcohol, undergrowth, leather and black pepper, with hints of toasted hazelnut emerging in the background. The palate is very intense and flavoursome, with a robust structure and finely integrated tannins. The finish is persistent and surprisingly dynamic.