“Selezione Vecchie Vigne” Trebbiano d’Abruzzo DOC 2022

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

12110122 · 0,75 l · 145,33 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shippingavailable immediately
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In the vineyards of Torano Nuovo, where the hills of northern Abruzzo lie between the Gran Sasso and the Adriatic Sea, the pepfamily's Trebbiano vines are over 50 years old. Their roots burrow down through the top 40 centimetres of loamy soil into the massive limestone rock that gives this area its mineral character. The temperature fluctuations between day and night, guaranteed by the proximity to the mountain massif, promote the development of intense flavours, while the sea breezes from the Adriatic give the Trebbiano the minerality and saltiness that make it so unmistakable. This Trebbiano Abruzzese – a unique clone that is clearly different from the inferior Trebbiano Toscano – delivers in this "Selezione Vecchie Vigne" the pure essence of what the Abruzzo terroir can produce in white wine.

Since Emidio peptook over the winery in 1964, the vinification philosophy has not changed: The grapes are harvested by hand, destemmed by hand and treaded with the feet in wooden vats – a process that is essential for two reasons. Firstly, it prevents any contact between the iron presses and the acids in the fruit, and secondly, the gentle maceration through treading creates the textural complexity that arises when the skins gently release their characteristics into the must. The juice runs out of the side of the vat through an opening and is pumped into glass-lined cement tanks, where fermentation begins spontaneously with natural yeasts – without the addition of any sulphur or cellar aids. The wine matures for 18 to 24 months in these cement tanks, which Emidio pepregards as the natural habitat of the wine, before it is bottled unfiltered and unfined. Malolactic fermentation takes place in the bottle and the wine continues to develop.

The 2022 presents itself in the glass with a light golden shimmer and unfolds a bouquet of beguiling clarity: rich yellow fruit – ripe apples and pears – melds with notes of almonds, pink grapefruit and candied lemons. Camomile blossom and a hint of hay lend the bouquet a delicate floral note, while mineral accents of crushed stones form the basis. On the palate, this Trebbiano presents itself with crystalline acidity and impressive balance: a slightly oily texture that lends the wine richness and depth, yet is carried by a lively freshness that invigorates the palate. The fruit is juicy and concentrated, complemented by spicy notes of thyme and sage, while the pronounced minerality gives the wine structure and tension. The finish is of almost infinite length – a final that lingers with ginger and mint and emphasises the youthful energy of this exceptional white wine. A Trebbiano of elegant austerity that is already a pleasure to drink, but will gain in volume, complexity and depth over the next 10 to 15 years. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2022 Trebbiano d’Abruzzo Vecchie Vigne is more savory than sweet, with a burst of crushed stone and raw almonds giving way to dusty dried flowers and apricots. This is texturally thrilling, soft and enveloping yet pure in style, with juicy acidity and masses of mineral-laced pit fruits, mixing nectarine with young peach. It tapers off long and with a pleasant inner tension, leaving a sensation of sweetness, yet clean and perfectly managed. The 2022 is drop-dead gorgeous. This wine results from an extended, relatively cool season with a good amount of rain." Vinous