Nicodemi Montepulciano d’ Abruzzo Colline Teramane DOCG La Murate 2021, Abruzzo, Italy

Fattoria Nicodemi is in Notaresco, in the heart of the Colline Teramane zone. The hilly estate covers a single plot of 38 hectares, of which 30 are under vine. The land, at about 300 metres in altitude, is aspected to the south east, with Mount Gran Sasso watching its back, and the sea at about 10 kilometres, ruffling the air with cool breezes in summer. The vines here are planted in rich clay and limestone soils that give the wines the character the Nicodemis seek, benefiting from healthy day-night temperature ranges, and ventilation for ripening fruit. Vinification: Destemming and soft crushing, followed by 6-7 days of maceration on the skins. Devatting. Alcoholic fermentation at controlled temperatures in steel vats. About 30% of the wine is decanted to small, second passage French oak barrels (225 litres) for malolactic fermentation lasting 4 months. The blended wine matures in steel, then ages in wood. Prior to bottling is undergoes gentle filtration. Aged in bottle 3 months. Sensory Profile: Intense ruby hues announce a nose of sour cherry, blackberry and blackcurrant followed by rose petals and a touch of black pepper. The velvety tannins accompany a plush palate. The rich flavor fuses perfectly with a structure vaunting an acid note bringing freshness and length.