Montepulciano d’Abruzzo 2001

Higher than normal temperatures already at the start of the growing season resulted in an earlier phenolic phase. The hot and dry weather in September and October allowed for a regular harvest. This year stood out for the excellent quality of the grapes with average yield running below that of previous years. The producers’ association gave this vintage a 5-star rating.
Aged in big barrels, the wine had an incredible, black-ruby color which became nervous on the edge. The aroma was still grapey (!) and there were also scents of laurel and black olives. The mouthfeel was exceptionally rich, rustic to the right point, sweetly tannic and while the finish was deep it was monotone. This wine needs to age some more.