Tiberio Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Colle Vota 2019

Located in the region of Abruzzo, Tiberio stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of winemaking. This family-owned winery has been crafting exceptional wines for generations, harnessing the blessings of fertile soil and a favourable climate. The vineyards boast some of Italy's oldest grapevines, their roots intertwined with the ancient Roman times from which they draw inspiration. Tiberio proudly upholds the winemaking traditions passed down through the ages, ensuring that every bottle encapsulates the essence of the region and the unique characteristics of each grape variety. At Tiberio, the winemaking process is executed with meticulous care, with every step carefully considered and flawlessly executed. From the hand-harvesting of the grapes to the thoughtful selection of oak barrels for aging, no detail is overlooked. The result is a remarkable collection of wines that effortlessly showcase the true essence of the region. In the year 2000, Riccardo Tiberio stumbled upon a rare plot of Trebbiano Abruzzese vines, a discovery that would shape the future of the winery. Recognizing the potential of this find, he made the decision to acquire the land and dedicate it to producing single estate wines. Initially, a selection of indigenous and international grape varieties adorned the vineyards, but with time, the focus shifted to Pecorino and Trebbiano Abruzzese, reflecting the estate's unwavering commitment to quality and showcasing the unique characteristics of Abruzzo's native grape varieties. Among Tiberio wines, Montepulciano d'Abruzzo stands proudly as one of their most celebrated creations. This full-bodied red wine is crafted from the Montepulciano grape, flourishing in the clay and limestone soils that define the region. With its deep ruby color and captivating aromas of ripe berries and spices, it entices the senses and transports the drinker to the heart of Abruzzo. Alongside their renowned reds, Tiberio takes equal pride in their Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo, a rosé wine that captures the very essence of summer in a single glass. Crafted from the Montepulciano grape, this rosé embodies a delicate balance between fruitiness and acidity. Its flavors of cherry, strawberry and hints of Mediterranean herbs evoke memories of sun-drenched afternoons and warm evenings, leaving a lasting impression on the palate. 

The Tiberio Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Colle Vota vineyard is a remarkable site that produces a unique expression of Montepulciano. Unlike the "Riserva" designation, Colle Vota is classified as a "Single Vineyard" Montepulciano d'Abruzzo, highlighting its distinct characteristics that set it apart from other Montepulciano vineyards at Tiberio. The Montepulciano grapes grown in the Colle Vota vineyard exhibit notable differences. The bunches and berries are smaller, with crunchier and thicker skins. This contributes to the wine's exceptional texture and structure. Additionally, the Colle Vota Montepulciano takes longer to reach maturity, benefitting from the vineyard's microclimate that provides an extended hang time. These factors combine to produce a truly unique Montepulciano wine. Interestingly, the Colle Vota vineyard thrives in cooler and even rainy vintages. The resulting Montepulciano d'Abruzzo wines crafted from these grapes possess a refined and light character, reminiscent of Burgundy's Pinot Noir and Piedmont's Nebbiolo wines. Despite these influences, the wine retains its Montepulciano backbone and soul.

Recognizing the exceptional quality of the Colle Vota vineyard, Tiberio has decided to bottle this wine separately, allowing it to shine as a distinct expression of both place and the potential of the Montepulciano grape variety. The vineyard was planted in 2000 using selections from the oldest Montepulciano vineyard on the property. This original Montepulciano clone has adapted to its specific environment, characterized by different soils, subsoils and a unique microclimate. As a result, a new Montepulciano biotype has developed, giving rise to a highly perfumed and refined wine.

Tiberio Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Colle Vota 2019 is a wine that truly captures the essence of its unique terroir. Grown at an altitude of 350 meters (1200 ft) in a 1.6-hectare (4-acre) vineyard, this wine showcases the meticulous craftsmanship and dedication put into its production. The soil composition of limestone and marly-clay over a sandstone-rich bedrock contributes to the wine's character and complexity. The vines, trained using the Single Guyot method, have a planting density of 4,000 vines per hectare. With a yield of 28 Hl, the grapes are carefully hand-harvested to ensure optimal quality. During the winemaking process, only indigenous yeasts are used for fermentation in stainless steel tanks, which lasts for 20 days. Malolactic fermentation takes place in tank, further enhancing the wine's texture and flavour profile. The aging process occurs in tank, allowing the wine to develop and mature gracefully. Bottled without fining or filtration, the Tiberio Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Colle Vota 2019 undergoes additional aging in the bottle before release, allowing its flavors to harmonize and evolve. Upon tasting, this wine reveals intense and expressive flavors. Notes of yellow peach, sage, cedar, cinnamon, marzipan, spices and earthy soil come together in a highly complex and captivating bouquet. The mouthfeel is long, deep and creamy, filling the palate with refined, silky tannins and a subtle saline character. The finish is energizing and persistent, leaving a lasting impression. Crafted from 100% selections of Montepulciano d'Abruzzo, transplanted to a higher single vineyard, this wine represents a specific biotype uniquely adapted to its microclimate.

Good full purple-red. Intensely floral notes of violet and lavender complicate black cherry, dark plum, smoke, minerals and sweet spices, along with a peppery herb nuance. Classically dry in the mouth but with a sultry core of superripe delicately smoky red and black cherry and sweet spices that reminded me of something that Dujac or Méo-Camuzet might make. Closes tangy and primary, silky and penetrating, with lingering perfume. Knockout wine, and don’t kid yourself: you have literally no idea just how good, great, Montepulciano wines can be unless you drink this wine (and Valentini’s) regularly. Drink 2025 – 2038. - Ian D'Agata, Terroir Sense, 96 Points.

The Finer Details
Style - Red Wine
Varietal - Montepulciano
Country - Italy
Region - Abruzzo
Vintage - 2019
Bottle Size - 750ml
ABV - 14.5%