Riparosso
2021
$18.99*
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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Grapes are generally harvested during the first half of October, and, after an accurate selection are stemmed and very softly crushed and processed following the traditional "red" method, which includes a long-term maceration of the skins inside stainless steel process tanks at a controlled temperature of 28°C. Once malolactic fermentation has taken place, wine ages inside Slavonian oak barrels (25 hl each) for approximately six months.
Red fruit notes, agreeable and persistent. It reveals itself as full-bodied, deep, ripe, round, harmonic and persistent with a final note of licorice.
A sweet blend of violets and lavender gives way to crushed blackberries and chalk dust lifts from the 2021 Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Riparosso. It washes across the palate with soft textures and ripe wild berry fruits that are neatly contrasted by sour citrus toward the close. This finishes perfumed and with admirable length, leaving a coating of dusty tannins that tug at the cheeks. Nicely done.
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Marasca cherry, licorice root, mint and fennel. The mid-palate, ferruginous and mid-weighted, in the most savory and meaty sense. This is one of those wines, inimitably Italian by virtue of its dry structural focus, that just needs a few years. Not too much time. Just a modicum of patience. Stay the path. Drinkable now, but best from 2025.
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Graham cracker and cocoa aromas meld with rich black cherry cordial on the nose, with tobacco and dewy herb accents grounding it all. It's pleasantly plump in feel, with pliant tannins and bright acidity framing the juicy cherry fruit and spicy accents.
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