Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Riserva Praesidium 2021

The Montepulciano d’Abruzzo Riserva Praesidium represents an ancestral expression of Montepulciano produced in the original cradle of this important Abruzzese variety. In fact, some scholars claim that the origin of Montepulciano can be traced back to the Aquila hinterland, particularly in the hills of the Valle Peligna, an area where the small wine company Praesidium 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 enological conformity.

The production of Montepulciano d’Abruzzo Praesidium Riserva begins with the cultivation of only Montepulciano grapes grown among the hills of the western area of the Valle Peligna, at about 400 meters above sea level. The vines benefit from the clayey matrix of the soils, rich in skeleton, siliceous pebbles, and limestone, as well as the organic farming practices applied by the Pasquale family. Following the harvest, which is carried out entirely by hand, the grapes are crushed in stainless steel tanks, where alcoholic fermentation occurs entirely spontaneouslythanks to the sole action of indigenous yeasts, accompanied by about two weeks of maceration on the skins. The long aging period then takes place in stainless steel tanks for 20-24 months and in Slavonian oak barrels and French oak tonneaux for an additional 20-24 months.

In the glass, the Montepulciano d’Abruzzo Riserva by Praesidium reveals a deep ruby red color with garnet reflections. The nose offers hints of cherry in spirits, underbrush, leather, and black pepper, with sensations of toasted hazelnut emerging from the background. Very intense and flavorful the tasting, endowed with a robust structure and finely integrated tannins, with a persistent and surprisingly dynamic finish.