Azienda Agricola Binomio – 2015 Binomio Montepulciano d’Abruzzo Riserva DOC $52
This Montepulciiano is the result of a partnership between Azienda Agricola Inama and Fattoia La Valentina. They started this project in 1997. And three years later they had identified a parcel planted in 1971 that sits at an elevation of 300 meters. The plot is planted to the “Africa Clone” which isn’t used much in the region due to low productivity. This partnership favors it for its body and concentration. They weren’t looking for large yields, rather high quality. Though organic farming practices are followed, they’re not certified as such.
Fermentation took place in stainless steel followed by 15 months aging in French barriques and an average of 7 months in stainless steel. 18 months of bottle aging followed prior to release. 13,000 bottles a year are a produced.
Montepulciano like many grapes benefits from having its yields limited. With younger vines that involves dropping a lot of fruit. That ups the quality of what is grown as well as the concentration, leading to the ability to produce higher quality wine. In this case the combination of vines approaching 50 years of age and a clone that naturally produces lower yields, leads to similar results.
This is an impressive Montepulciano d’Abruzzo for the money. From the first whiff to the last sip, everything leans dark; fruit, black pepper and bits of leather. Tart black cherry flavors drive the palate along with copious savory herbs led by oregano, sage and bits of thyme. Drying tannins and racy light up the impressive and pleasing finish.
Click the link below to see me tasting and talking about it some more.