Zanna Riserva 2008

ILLUMINATI

Zanna Riserva
2008

Country
Italy
Regulated designation
Denominazione di origine controllata e garantita (DOCG)
Region
Abruzzo
Appellation
Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Colline Teramane
Classification
Riserva
Varietal(s)
Montepulciano 100 %
Colour
Red
Sugar
Dry
Aging vessel type
Slovenian Oak barrels
Length of aging
24-26 months
Producer's website

About this winery

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo Colline Teramane is Abruzzo’s jewel in the crown, a fact confirmed by its promotion to DOCG status in 2003. Situated in Central Italy, its name (Colline Teramane) means hills of Teramo, and it is thanks to this prime hilly site with outstanding growing conditions that the Montepulciano d’Abruzzo gem can shine. This territory in the province of Teramo, with its special microclimate and good soil structure, is located between the high peaks of the Gran Sasso National...

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Product notes

The Zanna vineyard, from which the homonymous wine is produced, stretches on the hills sloping down to the Adriatic Sea, at the right of the Tronto River and at an altitude of 287 meters ASL, in the commune of Controguerra, in a very mild climate with fresh breeze.

Production notes

The Zanna vineyard is one of the last to be harvested, after the grapevines have been heavily thinned and grapes meticulously selected; it is only produced in the best years. Grapes are stemmed, crushed and left for fermentation in stainless steel process tanks at a maximum temperature of 30°C. Once malolactic fermentation is over, wine is poured in Slavonian oak barrels (approx. 25 hl each) where it ages for 24-26 months.

Tasting notes

The colour is of an intense red ruby, tends to be garnet red as it ages. The nose recalls blackberries, and dried flowers. The flavour is of great substance, mellow tannins, velvety and elegant for exhilarating encounters with savoury sauces.

Press reviews

Vinous

- 91 points -

Ian D'Agata, September 2018 (Vintage 2013)

Deep purple-ruby. Inky, flinty aromas and flavors are fresh, vibrant and very saline. Enters bright and smooth, then turns mountingly austere but with a glyceral touch to the long, mineral-enhanced fruit flavors.

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James Suckling

- 91 points -

December 2021 (Vintage 2017)

Rich red and black berries with hints of sea shells, dried herbs and a touch of balsamic. Medium-to full-bodied with a relaxed palate, where the firm, fine and polished tannins bring out a drier aspect of the fruit. This needs another year to meld together better.

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 Wine Enthusiast

- 91 points -

November 2022 (Vintage 2017)

This poised, polished red shows rich aromas of red cherry dipped in spirits alongside accents of menthol and tobacco. It's gentle and smooth on the medium-bodied palate, with a pert cherry flavor wrapped in dewy herbs and cigar box accents. Smooth tannins and bright acidity lend a cohesive texture to this red.

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Vinous

- 90 points -

October 2022 (Vintage 2017)

Darkly alluring with a purplish hue, the 2017 Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Riserva Zanna comes to life slowly in the glass, as a mix of blackberries and currants are complemented by nuances of mint, chalk dust and exotic spice. This washes across the palate like pure silk with mineral-tinged red berries and mentholated herbal tones toward the close. A coating of fine-grained tannins saturate, creating a youthfully structured feel, aided by a bump of residual acidity that maintains balance. The 2017 Zanna may not have the depth of the best years, yet it is a good effort from this torrid vintage. Give it another year of cellaring for the best effect.

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Natalie MacLean

- 90 points -

Natalie MacLean, August 2016 (Vintage 2010)

Full-bodied, robust, rustic red with smoky black fruit and cedar brush. The grapes for this wine come from the winery's oldest vineyards and then the wine is aged 2 years in oak. Smoke and some dark spice on a long finish.

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 Wine Enthusiast

- 87 points -

Kerin O'Keefe, (Vintage 2011)

This opens with aromas suggesting underbrush, pressed blue flower and leather. The solid palate is somewhat evolved, offering raisin prune, nutmeg and bitter almond alongside dusty fleeting tannins. The palate is drying out so drink soon.

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