About this WINE
Cirelli, Abruzzo
Cirelli is a new organic farm of 22ha in Abruzzo, conceived by local entrepreneur Francesco Cirelli and his partner Michela in 2003. Tucked away high among the sandy Colline Teramane near the village of Atri, some 8kms from the Adriatic sea, the stunningly located estate is dedicated not only to growing 5ha (of guyot trellised) vines but also to the production of garlic, fig, olive oil and grain; they also have geese! Bottling of the wine started in vintage 2008. They produce a fresh range of autochthonous wines, Trebbiano, Cerasuolo and Montepulciano d’Abruzzo made in stainless-steel, together with a more terroir-expressive series achieved though the careful use of 8hl amphora.
Montepulciano
The Montepulciano grape stands as a cornerstone of Italian viticulture, flourishing in Central and Eastern Italy. Despite its name, it maintains no genetic ties to the renowned Tuscan town of Montepulciano nor its celebrated Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, which predominantly features Sangiovese. Renowned for its adaptability, Montepulciano thrives in a spectrum of soil types and climates. Exhibiting robust growth characteristics, it yields generously and matures late in the season, offering winemakers flexibility in cultivation and harvest.
The heartland of Montepulciano lies in the Abruzzo district, where its flagship incarnation, Montepulciano d'Abruzzo, reigns supreme. Here, it delivers wines of remarkable character and distinction. In the Marche region, it harmonises with Sangiovese to craft illustrious blends such as Rosso Conero and Rosso Piceno, showcasing its versatility and capacity for nuanced expression.
Montepulciano wines typically embody a light to medium-bodied profile, brimming with fruit-forward flavours. Often characterised by gentle tannins and moderate acidity, they offer immediate pleasure and accessibility, best enjoyed in their youth. Yet, a select cadre of visionary producers employs low-yielding old vines, crafting 100% Montepulciano wines that undergo meticulous oak ageing. These esteemed bottlings defy convention, evolving gracefully in the bottle over a decade or more, unfurling layers of complexity and refinement.
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Description
Inky deep purple, the nose is rich and pure with sooty, violet and blackberry coulis notes, broad and dense. Fermented and aged in free-standing terracotta amphora (alla Romano), wild bramble notes flavour the palate. Still young, from 10-year-old vines that line that sandy white Atri, Colline Teramane slopes, this 100% Montepulciano d’Abruzzo has crunchy presence and juicy fruit; the cooler, long growing season providing great freshness; the harvest at the end of Sept ember 2013 taking place before the October rain. Bottled in May 2014.
David Berry Green
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