Deep ruby. Initially reticent aromas open slowly with aeration and a hint at dark red cherry, blueberry, underbrush, plus a perfumed violet topnote. Bright, juicy and suave, with a seamless quality to the tannins that provide backbone to the ripe blue and black fruit and herbal flavors. Finishes long and very pure, with a charming, easy to drink quality, though this will repay cellaring. A suave, silky wine that boasts the most refined tannins of any wine I tasted from Abruzzo this year, but it’s neither the most complex nor most concentrated Montepulciano d’Abruzzo this venerable estate has ever made. That said, it’s magical texture is one you won’t soon forget. The first Montepulciano d’Abruzzo released by Valentini since the very great 2006; the six year wait was worth it!. Ian D'Agata

For Francesco Valentini, 2012 was one of the best vintages in recent years and he regards this wine as the most balanced Montepulciano he has made since his father’s death. Opaque, complex and mineral, woodsmoke notes unfold gently on the nose with a hint of toast and coffee. It is concentrated but with a wonderful weightless, featherlight texture, accompanied by very fine tannins. This is still young but just starting to open up, and shows great potential. Drinking Window: 2020 - 2038
Tasted by: Susan Hulme MW (at Valentini, Abruzzo, 29 Jun 2019)
Part of Valentini: Producer profile