| 94 Points: “Bright red. Red cherry and flowers on the perfumed nose; much more fragrant than the 2017 Montepulciano d’Abruzzo. Then fresh and juicy, with bright red fruit repeating in the mouth. Finishes long and savory, showcasing notable purity. Outstanding cool-climate Montepulciano of noteworthy refinement. Very, very well done; I’m not sure readers fully realize just how hard it is to obtain a result of this level in a cold-weather environment such as that of Popoli. This success speaks loudly of the capability and talent of owner Leonardo Pinzolo
and his Valle Reale technical team. Drinking window 2019 – 2024.” – Ian D’Agata, Vinous (September 2019)
FROM THE IMPORTER
The organic Montepulciano grapes that produce this wine are sourced from two separate vineyards: Popoli and Capestrano. Capestrano's soaring summer temperatures and silty soils yield richness and structure. The rocky and exposed terrain of Popoli bestows fragrance and freshness. Spontaneous fermentation binds the raw materials into a sum that is greater than its individual parts-- a wine that is both rich and elegant, and that speaks clearly of its terroir.
Tasting Notes
Bright ruby-red in color, this youthful red offers explosive aromas of blueberries, cherries, licorice, and sweet spices. On the palate, it is medium-bodied with plentiful acidity and a pleasant finish.
Food Pairing
This wine can be served before a meal, but it pairs well with meatballs, tomato sauces, eggplant parmigiana, and risotto ai funghi.
ABOUT VALLE REALE
Valle Reale was founded in 2000 with the goal of producing world-class wines. Working primarily with the
Montepulciano varietal, the Pizzolo family strives to make wines that highlight the grape’s intrinsic qualities: strength, exuberance, vitality, color, elegance, balance and depth. The process begins with the careful selection of clones that are best suited to Valle Reale’s soil and climate, and therefore best express the distinct characteristics of the varietal. Their success is evident in the young, vibrant DOC base wine, and even more so in the cru, a new benchmark for Montepulciano d’Abruzzo.
Location of Vineyard
Located in the green heart of Abruzzo, Valle Reale’s vineyards are situated inside one of Italy’s most beautiful national parks. This is a wild paradise, with deep gorges carved by glaciers, crystal-clear springs and a diverse array of flora and fauna. Valle Reale is one of the few wine-producing
estates in this area of pristine beauty. The topography and climate of this part of Abruzzo are completely different from the rest of the region and unique within central Italy. The vineyards have thin soils rich in limestone, with a light base of clay and sand. The proximity to the Gran Sasso mountain range and the altitude of the estate itself create wide fluctuations in temperature between day and night.
Winemaking Philosophy
The grapes grown at Valle Reale take advantage of constant cool breezes that ensure good ventilation and minimize humidity — ideal for the development of fine aromas. Perfect ripening temperatures are reached only in late fall when the first snow whitens Mount Morrone. The geographic and climatic peculiarities of this area are reflected in the wines, which are characterized by the trademarks of
fully mature fruit: fresh, elegant perfume and aromatic complexity.
|
