99/100 Points – Luca Maroni, Annuario dei Migliori Vini Italiani
Gold Medal – Mundus Vini
Appearance: Deep ruby red with garnet reflections, indicating both youth and potential for aging.
Nose: An intense and persistent bouquet featuring rich aromas of ripe blackberries, plum jam, and marasca cherries. These fruit notes are elegantly intertwined with hints of dried flowers, licorice, and subtle spices, complemented by nuances of tobacco and vanilla from oak aging.
Palate: Full-bodied and velvety, this wine showcases a harmonious balance between its robust structure and refined elegance. The palate is enveloped with flavors of dark fruits, chocolate, and a touch of espresso, supported by well-integrated tannins and a creamy texture. The oak maturation imparts additional complexity, offering layers of spice and a smooth mouthfeel.
Finish: A long, warm, and opulent finish that leaves lingering notes of dark chocolate and a subtle espresso bitterness, inviting another sip.
Vinification: Crafted from hand-harvested Montepulciano grapes grown in calcareous and clayey soils of Crecchio, Chieti. The grapes undergo a 20-day maceration on the skins, followed by fermentation in stainless steel tanks at controlled temperatures. The wine is then aged for 9 to 12 months in a combination of French and American oak barriques, enhancing its depth and complexity.
Food Pairing: Ideal with hearty dishes such as rich pasta with meat sauces, roasted red meats, game, and aged cheeses. Its structure and depth also make it a perfect companion for slow-cooked veal with mushrooms or a robust lamb stew.
Cellaring Potential: Enjoy now or cellar through to 2030 to allow further development and integration of flavors.
This luxurious expression of Montepulciano from Tenuta Ulisse exemplifies the dedication to quality and the unique terroir of Abruzzo. Its consistent high ratings and array of awards underscore its status as a standout wine in its category.