Valle Reale - "Vigneto di Popoli" Montepulciano d'Abruzzo 2016

ID.

• Origin: Popoli, Abruzzo, Italy.
• Appellation: Montepulciano d'Abruzzo DOC.
• Grapes: 100% Montepulciano.
• Characteristics: fruity, complex & round.
• Alcohol: 13%.
• Drinking: ready to drink, can be kept until 2030.
• Reviews: 91pts Vinous (2015).

Always nice to be able to buy a somewhat matured wine. This 2016 is made from grapes from the Popoli vineyard, hand-picked. Maceration of ten days, natural fermentation in steel tanks with indigenous yeast. Then 24 months maturation in large wooden barrels of 500 liters, which are also 5 years old (very limited release of flavor).

Intense ruby ​​red with purple hues. Complex nose with ripe black fruits such as plums, blackberries, cassis, and violets. Herbs and smokiness. Tertiary aromas with forest floor, some tobacco and leather. Subtle hint of vanilla. Medium body with pronounced but polished tannins. Never feels heavy, long finish.