Emidio Pepe

The vines for Emidio's new and second single vineyard "Branella" are, believe it or not, almost 70 years old. In these young days, the wine presents itself finer and more elegant, but also more reserved than its cru counterpart "Casa pep". With increasing aeration, it shows a freshness and berry aroma, which after further hours leads into more and more juiciness and an incredible length, which again impressively proves that Emidio pepis the uncrowned king of the Montepulciano grape. Impatient people open the first bottle many hours before enjoying it, with more discipline the decision can only be: Put it deep in the cellar and wait for another terrific development ... By the way, Emidio does the same with a large part of his wines, which he only releases for sale years later as "vecchie vigne" with an unfortunately very sensitive price premium. SUPERIORE.DE

"Tasting the Emidio pepMontepulciano d'Abruzzo Vecchie Vigne Branella after just one month in bottle is quite an experience. Deep purple and atmospheric in the glass, it opens slowly with dark violet and lavender tones mixed with wet stone before bursting with black raspberry and crushed pomegranate. The palate is pure class, silky and fleshy but with a core of bright acidity and red citrus that excites the senses. The balance is exceptional as the 2020 seems both elegant and racy, finishing with a layer of sweet tannins that tug at the cheeks as the rosy florals within slowly fade." Vinous

Emidio pep's wines are in a word: timeless. The 2017 Montepulciano d'Abruzzo shows its pedigree with elegant aromas of black fruits, smoke, tar and powdery liquorice. Fine Montepulciano d'Abruzzo can have not only a rich texture but also a well-maintained and fresh acidity thanks to the region's cool mountain climate. The tannins are firm and polished, followed by delicate little accents of dried herbs and crushed stone. Wine lovers in a hurry decant it over several hours, more thoughtful connoisseurs let it mature in the bottle for another 15 years. SUPERIORE.DE

"In the philosophy of our company, the ageing of the wines has always played a decisive role. This is the reason why we are proud today to be able to offer many of the oldest vintages directly from our cellar. We differentiate as follows: In each year we make two bottlings. Younger vintages that we put on the Italian market come from younger vineyards and the wines from the old vines we let mature in our cellar for at least 5 years and then only gradually put them on the global market. For better differentiation, the latter wines bear the seal 'Selezione Vecchie Vigne'. Another important aspect is that all bottles that are more than 10 years old are decanted and individually checked before they start their journey to our customers, re-corked." Emidio pepe

"This is one of the cornerstones of Abruzzo, a winery that follows a strict tradition but also appeals to every new generation of wine drinkers that comes across a bottle. Emidio pep's wines are in a word: timeless. The 2017 Montepulciano d'Abruzzo shows its pedigree with elegant aromas of black fruits, smoke, tar and powdery liquorice. The Montepulciano d'Abruzzo is easy to drink even in hot vintages like the 2017, thanks to the region's cool mountain climate, and you get not only a deep textural richness but also wonderfully preserved and fresh acidity. The tannins are firm and polished, followed by delicate little accents of dried herbs and crushed stone." Wine Advocate

"The 2017 Montepulciano d’Abruzzo Vecchie Vigne lifts from the glass with a bouquet that mixes sweet and sour. A balsamic tinge blends with black tea, stone dust and dried cherries, all accentuated with exotic spice. It opens with vividly ripe cherry-berry fruits propelled by juicy acidity, creating a sensation of boundless energy. This finishes with tremendous length yet is still vibrant as dusty tannins combine with tart wild berries and spiced citrus. The 2017 is already beautifully expressive and on the cusp of being released from the Emidio pepcellar." Vinous

Ruby red with violet reflections and black core. On the nose, dark forest berries such as blackberries and mulberries, underpinned by warm undergrowth notes. Then ripe blood oranges and subtle cedary notes. On the palate, it is defined by aromas of liquorice, tightly meshed and low-pitched, the tannin reminds one of the finest dark chocolate and controls the generously juicy fruit with its filigree play. Equipped for many years of bottle ageing, it is advisable to reach for the carafe in its youthful stage. Then it shows itself with stimulatingly tart aromas of dark tobacco and with enormous pressure, dark, dense and rich with an orchestral finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"In the philosophy of our company, the ageing of the wines has always played a decisive role. This is the reason why we are proud today to be able to offer many of the oldest vintages directly from our cellar. We differentiate as follows: In each year we make two bottlings. Younger vintages that we put on the Italian market come from younger vineyards and the wines from the old vines we let mature in our cellar for at least 5 years and then only gradually put them on the global market. For better differentiation, the latter wines bear the seal 'Selezione Vecchie Vigne'. Another important aspect is that all bottles that are more than 10 years old are decanted and individually checked before they start their journey to our customers, re-corked." Emidio pepe

"Sour citrus mixes with earth tones, animal musk, cocoa and earl grey as the 2009 Montepulciano d’Abruzzo Vecchie Vigne slowly unfolds in the glass. Aromatically intense and just starting to show maturity, this enters the palate soft and enveloping, yet more lifted than expected. A brisk acidity adds dimension to its dried black cherry fruits. Blood orange and saline minerals combine to create a salted citrus character, as the 2009 tapers off with adolescent tannins that tug at the palate. This is in a beautiful place, already pleasing for lovers of mature wine yet also with unbelievable energy and freshness." Vinous

Dark ruby red with a brick-red-orange tapered rim. The nose of the 2003 Montepulciano d'Abruzzo is powerful and concentrated with notes of Grand Marnier, plum jam, stewed fruit and a little port at the start. The maturity of the vintage condenses in the concentrated fruit in joyful interplay with the tart aroma of ripe tannins. With increasing aeration, the ripe notes integrate into the overall appearance and are complemented by mild spices such as cloves, allspice, black pepper and green cardamom as well as the distinctive umami impression of beef jerky. Open-hearted on the palate and, despite the expansive ripe fruit, stringent and taut on the palate. Tobacco and leather aromas join the extract-sweet fruit of Amarena cherries and fully ripe plums. In addition, there is the impression of dark chocolate, whose bitterness tips over into a slightly astringent sweetness. Extremely drinkable, it shines on the palate with silky, glistening tannins and an expansive hedonistic nature. Further proof that 2003 gains in greatness with increasing maturity. SUPERIORE.DE

"In the philosophy of our company, the ageing of the wines has always played a decisive role. This is the reason why we are proud today to be able to offer many of the oldest vintages directly from our cellar. We differentiate as follows: In each year we make two bottlings. Younger vintages that we put on the Italian market come from younger vineyards and the wines from the old vines we let mature in our cellar for at least 5 years and then only gradually put them on the global market. For better differentiation, the latter wines bear the seal 'Selezione Vecchie Vigne'. Another important aspect is that all bottles that are more than 10 years old are decanted and individually checked before they start their journey to our customers, re-corked." Emidio pepe

"Ripe and aromatic, with an undercurrent of cured olive, grilled rosemary, sanguine and dark roasted espresso running through the concentrated black cherry fruit. Well-defined, as juicy acidity keeps the long finish moving." Wine Spectator

pep’s 2003 Montepulciano d’Abruzzo is a bomb. Tar, leather, scorched earth and black fruit emerge from this dark, imposing Montepulciano. The wine comes together beautifully in the glass, as the aromas and flavors gain breadth and dimension. Despite the rich style, there is nothing excessive or over-ripe here, just exceptional balance of ripe fruit as captured by a traditional approach to vinification. A final blast of tar informs the long finish." Wine Advocate

Ruby red with violet reflections and black core. On the nose, dark forest berries such as blackberries and mulberries, underpinned by warm undergrowth notes. Then ripe blood oranges and subtle cedary notes. On the palate, it is defined by aromas of liquorice, tightly meshed and low-pitched, the tannin reminds one of the finest dark chocolate and controls the generously juicy fruit with its filigree play. Equipped for many years of bottle ageing, it is advisable to reach for the carafe in its youthful stage. Then it shows itself with stimulatingly tart aromas of dark tobacco and with enormous pressure, dark, dense and rich with an orchestral finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"In the philosophy of our company, the ageing of the wines has always played a decisive role. This is the reason why we are proud today to be able to offer many of the oldest vintages directly from our cellar. We differentiate as follows: In each year we make two bottlings. Younger vintages that we put on the Italian market come from younger vineyards and the wines from the old vines we let mature in our cellar for at least 5 years and then only gradually put them on the global market. For better differentiation, the latter wines bear the seal 'Selezione Vecchie Vigne'. Another important aspect is that all bottles that are more than 10 years old are decanted and individually checked before they start their journey to our customers, re-corked." Emidio pepe

"Shiny medium ruby red with orange reflections. Cool, red-fruity bouquet with spices, hints of iron and tobacco leaves. Cool and lean on the palate with plenty of acidity, grainy tannins and slender red fruits. Finishes with hints of tobacco and rusty nails. Very elegant and smooth." Jancis Robinson

"The 2002 Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Vecchie Vigne seduces the senses with a cool blend of dried strawberries, cinnamon and dusty rose. It washes over the palate with lightness, bright and pure on the palate, with pretty red berries and a subtle hint of flint minerality. The fruit concentration persists, along with gentle tannins and a pleasing burst of inner sweetness as the 2002 finishes with a tension in its cheeks. A lightness of being." Vinous