“Branella Vecchie Vigne” Montepulciano d’Abruzzo DOC 2022

Emidio Pepe | Abruzzo
Az. Agr. Emidio Pepe | Contrada Chiesi, 10 | IT 64010 Torano Nuovo

12112322 · 0,75 l · 185,33 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shippingavailable immediately
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Where the 2021 Branella was characterised by vigorous vegetative development and the saving summer rains, the 2022 shows the finesse and elegance of a vintage that has found exceptional refinement through later pruning and slower, controlled development. The sandier soils of Branella with their cooler temperatures, the speckled lenses of limestone that create different perceptions of acidity, and the deeper root systems that allow the vines to find nutrients even in difficult moments – all these factors come together in this vintage to create a wine that impresses not with its power, but with its precision, clarity and almost dancing lightness.

The 2022 vintage began with the first signs of the effects of late pruning: budbreak on 13 April, followed by suddenly warm temperatures and a very rapid, vigorous vegetative cycle. The summer was relatively warm and dry, which led to a very slow vegetative cycle of 20 to 25 days. After the drought, a decisive rain came on 27 July – a blessing that allowed the vines to have enough water for the last part of phenolic ripening. The harvest began on 22 September for the Montepulciano, and the grapes showed exceptional balance and quality. Vinification followed the tried and tested pep: destemmed by hand, spontaneous fermentation in 2,Liters tanks with whole berries, 18 to 24 months maturation in glass-lined cement tanks, bottled unfiltered and unfined.

In the glass, the 2022 presents itself in a bright garnet red with violet reflections – more transparent, brighter than the more concentrated 2021. The bouquet unfolds with floral grace: bright red cherries and fresh blackberries mingle with violets and a hint of lavender, while mineral notes of crushed stones and limestone form the aromatic basis. The fruit is clearly contoured and precise, without the luscious fullness of the previous year. On the palate, this Branella is impressively elegant: linear, focussed, with a razor-sharp acidity that gives the wine tension and vibrancy. The tannins are finely woven, silky yet with a firm grip, the fruit is bright and juicy – red cherry, raspberry, a hint of pomegranate –carried by a chalky freshness that gives the wine coolness and clarity. Subtle tarry notes and a hint of dried herbs complement the flavour, while the long, pure finish ends with mineral precision. A Montepulciano of exceptional finesse and sophistication – finer and more elegant than the richer 2021. A wine that does not dominate with power, but enchants with clarity. Over the next 20 to 30 years, this Branella will mature into a wine of enormous complexity and depth, but will never lose its characteristic elegance. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2022 Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Vecchie Vigne Branella continues to evolve beautifully in bottle. A seductive array of lavender, rose and crushed violet candies complement wild blueberry fruit as a spicy gingery tinge slowly emerges. It’s racy and energetic in feel, with zesty acidity contrasting a core of tart wild berries. Chalky mineral tones saturate the palate. Grippy tannins take hold through the finish, yet displaying fantastic freshness. A pleasantly bitter tinge punctuates the 2022's spicy nature. In a word: Wow." Vinous