Emidio Pepe Montepulciano D Abruzzo 2001 Decanted 750ml

Emidio Pepe Montepulciano d'Abruzzo 2001 Decanted is an exceptional mature Italian red wine from one of Abruzzo's most respected traditional producers. Established in 1964 in Torano Nuovo, the Emidio Pepe estate is internationally recognised for its dedication to Montepulciano and its remarkable ability to produce wines capable of ageing for decades.
The 2001 vintage is particularly admired by the Pepe family for its excellent balance. The wine combines a firm structural backbone with integrated acidity and refined tannins, allowing it to develop complexity while retaining freshness. Its extended maturation has produced a concentrated and expressive wine with depth and remarkable ageing character.
Made from 100% Montepulciano, the wine follows the estate's traditional low-intervention philosophy. The grapes are hand-harvested, carefully processed and fermented spontaneously with indigenous yeasts. Maturation takes place in glass-lined cement tanks before bottling without fining or filtration.
The "Decanted" designation refers to the producer's special pre-release process. Mature bottles are carefully transferred into fresh bottles to remove accumulated sediment and assess the wine's condition before being topped up with another bottle of the same vintage and recorked.

Tasting Notes:

Colour:
Deep garnet red with evolved ruby and subtle brick-red reflections.

Nose:
Complex aromas of ripe black cherry, dark plum and blackberry, complemented by wild herbs, tobacco, leather, cocoa, tar and earthy undertones.

Palate:
Rich and concentrated, revealing layers of dark cherry, plum skin, savoury herbs and smoky mineral notes. Firm yet increasingly integrated tannins provide structure, while refreshing acidity balances its depth and richness.

Finish:
Long and persistent, with lingering dark fruit, graphite, bitter almond, tobacco and savoury spice.