2017 Emidio Pepe - Montepulciano d'Abruzzo (91 pts)

2017 Emidio Pepe - Montepulciano d'Abruzzo (91 pts) @emidiopepe @olivermccrumwinesandspirits · ℹ️ Emidio Pepe is one of the flagbearers of the Abruzzo region. Biodynamically farmed and natural winemaking. This has been true since the first vintage in 1964. This wine is 💯 Montepulciano. The red Montepulciano grapes are hand destemmed, foot pressed, and fermented with indigenous yeasts in cement tanks. The wines are then aged for 24-30 months in cement tanks, depending on the vintage. Bottled without the addition of SO2· 🍷 Deep ruby. Ripe black cherry, blackberry, wet stone, concrete after rain, rhubarb, olive tapenade, violets, smoked meat, and a touch of brett. Dry, high acid, high alcohol (14%), high grippy drying tannins, and full body. Medium+ length finish. 🤔 This is almost too young for an Emidio Pepe wine. Dark and brooding even after hours in a decanter. Initial impressions were a bit "Natty", funny enough I was at a natural wine bar. After a few hours in a decanter the wine started to reveal itself. Imagine Cru Beaujolais and Aglianico had a love child. Charming when young, but don’t you want to see what they look like as they get older 🤷‍♂️❓ Should be laid down in the cellar for 5-7 years. 📍 Tasted with a friend in San Francisco @verjus _sf