Montevetrano

Deep purple ruby. Grapey, expressive fruit aromas on the opulent nose. Then refined on the palate: Aromas of herbs, sweet spices and blueberry nectar are supported by a solid tannic framework and lively, peppery acidity. Wonderfully long, juicy finish. Great ageing potential! SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2018 Rosso Core impresses with its mix of dark rich fruits, exotic spices, crushed ashen stone and peppery herbs. This is unexpectedly soft and lifted in feel, with a pure display of ripe plum complemented by nuances of sage and rosy inner florals that form toward the close. A layer of fine tannin dries the expression through the finale, as echoes of licorice and black currants linger. The 2018 Core, a varietal Aglianico, could use a short stay in the cellar to unwind. That said, this is a very lifted and cool-toned expression that will perform best over the short term." Vinous

"Super balance to this intense red with exquisite spice to the mixed berries on the nose, following through to a full body with fine, well-integrated tannins, succulent fruit and a long, elegant and flavorful finish. All in place and lovely to drink now, but best from 2023." James Suckling

Montevetrano's "second wine" shows, as so often, the great class of Silvia Imparato's winery. Great Aglianico nose of blue flowers, wild berries, blackberries and black cherry. Silky and powerful at the same time, very deep and herbaceous, with a fine mineral vein and a well-proportioned tannin. The already existing elegance will increase with further maturity. Very successful! SUPERIORE.DE

"Sweet violet florals lift effortlessly from the 2017 Montevetrano Core, followed by white smoke, crushed blackberry, and cherry, as dark earth tones evolve. On the palate, silky textures are complemented by polished black fruits, as savory herbs and minerals slowly saturate the senses. The finish is medium in length, resonating on mineral-laden dark fruits and hints of spice, with a coating of fine tannin providing grip. I find myself craving more depth here, yet this is wonderfully balanced and already very easy to like." Vinous

"The Montevetrano 2017 Aglianico Core reveals a dark and velvety appearance with pretty color saturation. Core is a genuine and honest wine that does a very nice job of portraying the basics of Aglianico. You get the power and structure of the fruit, as well as the grape's dark and savory aromas of blackberry, cassis and dark cherry. The wine also promises freshness and accessibility. Try this with a montanara fritta, a fried, thick mini-pizza from Naples stuffed with provolone, salami and tomato sauce." Wine Advocate

"A full-bodied and structured red with spice, black-pepper and bark undertones to the cherries and dried fruit. Some dried earth, too. Extremely powerful. Try after 2023." James Suckling

Silvia Imparato's noble Montevetrano is one of Riccardo Cotarella's first creations and certainly one of his most important to this day. Deep ruby red with violet reflections. Rich aromas of dark plums, blackcurrants, cedar, graphite and minerals on the captivating nose. Clean, fresh, juicy on the palate with an engaging, refined texture. There are liquorice and violet aromas on the long, graceful and layered finish. A very promising, still young Montevetrano with a great future! SUPERIORE.DE

"There’s a decidedly floral and spicy character to the 2018 Montevetrano (Colli di Salerno) that captivates the senses and pulls you close to the glass. Its fruit is more lifted and high-toned than usual, as blackberries mix with currants and crushed violets. A wave of stone dust and minerals translates directly from the nose to the palate, as its initially-silky textures are quickly firmed up by a core of strict acidity and grippy tannins that settle in toward the close. This is incredibly long but also achingly structured, currently holding back much of its fruit, and instead showing inner rose tones and hints of black tea. The 2018 will require a number of years to fully blossom; yet once it does, you can expect a very pretty and perfumed vintage of Montevetrano." Vinous

"A suave, full-bodied red, with plush tannins firming the rich blackberry coulis and blueberry fruit. It's layered and harmonious, with hints of bay leaf, graphite and mineral unfurling on the palate and through to the racy finish." Wine Spectator

"A red with plum and cherry character with hints of bark, mushroom and clove. It’s full-bodied with layers of fruit and a long, flavorful finish. Needs time to soften, but structured and beautiful. Such finesse with strength. Really impressive. Try after 2022." James Suckling

Silvia Imparato's noble Montevetrano is one of Riccardo Cotarella's first creations and certainly one of his most important to this day. Deep ruby red with violet reflections. Rich aromas of dark plums, blackcurrants, cedar, graphite and minerals on the captivating nose. Clean, fresh, juicy on the palate with an engaging, refined texture. There are liquorice and violet aromas on the long, graceful and layered finish. A very promising, still young Montevetrano with a great future! SUPERIORE.DE

"The Montevetrano 2019 captivates with a rich blend of brown spices, tobacco, cherries soaked in rum, menthol and mint. It is classy and polished, with textures of pure silk and a massive core of dark red and black fruits that slowly saturate the palate. The 2019 finishes classically dry and incredibly long, with fine-grained tannins framing nuances of wild blueberries and sage. What a beauty. The 2019 Montevetrano is a beautifully composed blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Aglianico and 20% Merlot." Vinous

"This wine is one of the icons of southern Italy. It maintains its timeless character over the years, in good vintages as well as bad. The 2019 Montevetrano embodies the charisma and elegance of the very good vintage recorded in Campania with cool nights, good humidity and average summer temperatures. The blend is 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Aglianico and 20% Merlot from a five hectare site with clay soils. The bouquet reveals dark cherries and black plums with baker's chocolate and exotic spices. The Aglianico gives the wine a particular black fruit quality that is almost tarry, and this grape comes through particularly well in the blend, as it should, being one of the original "Super Campania" wines." Wine Advocate

Authentic Mediterranean bouquet, in which fresh medicinal herbs are followed by hints of myrrh and nutmeg. The fruit develops its full splendour on the palate, engaging and mineral, long into the final, strongly noticeable tannin. Athletic, spirited, passionate. SUPERIORE.DE

"Record holder of our three glasses: Montevetrano. He practically has a subscription to the highest premium. ... Today a classic rather than a label of the avant-garde." Gambero Rosso 2011

"The 2008 Montevetrano is almost impossibly young at this stage. Loaded with the essence of black cherry liqueur, minerals and spices, the wine conquers the palate with layers of richly structured fruit. The 2008 is full of raw, vinous energy, yet it is possible to get a sense of the brilliant future that lies ahead from the way the wine continues to develop beautifully in the glass. Today the 2008 looks to be a fabulous Montevetrano, but my sense is it is first headed for a period of stubbornness before it emerges once again." Wine Advocate

Silvia Imparato's noble Montevetrano is one of Riccardo Cotarella's first creations and certainly one of his most important to this day. Deep ruby red with violet reflections. Rich aromas of dark plums, blackcurrants, cedar, graphite and minerals on the captivating nose. Clean, fresh, juicy on the palate with an engaging, refined texture. There are liquorice and violet aromas on the long, graceful and layered finish. A very promising, still young Montevetrano with a great future! SUPERIORE.DE

"There’s a decidedly floral and spicy character to the 2018 Montevetrano (Colli di Salerno) that captivates the senses and pulls you close to the glass. Its fruit is more lifted and high-toned than usual, as blackberries mix with currants and crushed violets. A wave of stone dust and minerals translates directly from the nose to the palate, as its initially-silky textures are quickly firmed up by a core of strict acidity and grippy tannins that settle in toward the close. This is incredibly long but also achingly structured, currently holding back much of its fruit, and instead showing inner rose tones and hints of black tea. The 2018 will require a number of years to fully blossom; yet once it does, you can expect a very pretty and perfumed vintage of Montevetrano." Vinous

"A suave, full-bodied red, with plush tannins firming the rich blackberry coulis and blueberry fruit. It's layered and harmonious, with hints of bay leaf, graphite and mineral unfurling on the palate and through to the racy finish." Wine Spectator

"A red with plum and cherry character with hints of bark, mushroom and clove. It’s full-bodied with layers of fruit and a long, flavorful finish. Needs time to soften, but structured and beautiful. Such finesse with strength. Really impressive. Try after 2022." James Suckling