Fantini Farnese, Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Bio 2012 Ortona, Abruzzo, Italy PRODUCER The Farnese group owns Gran Sasso, Vesevo, Zabù, Vigneti del Salento, Vigneti del Vulture, Cantina di Diomede and Tufarello, among others, but this is their flagship winery. Alberto Antonini oversees production, ensuring that these wines offer great quality, varietal character and value. Their elegant and striking packaging makes them stand out on the shelf or table. VINEYARDS The Montepulciano grapes are organically grown in the communes of Ortona , San Salvo and Pollutri, on the Adriatic coast to the north of the Abruzzo region. Facing south east, the vineyards are on a mix of clay and limestone soils and are trained using both the pergola and Guyot training systems. VINTAGE Abundant snow fell at beginning February in Abruzzo, building up water levels which proved beneficial as from the beginning of June to the end of the growing season, there were only 2 days of rain at the end July. The rest of the time, it was sunny with constantly high temperatures. By contrast, the harvest period was very wet. At Farnese they concentrated the harvest of red grapes into a few days in mid October to ensure the health of the grapes was not compromised. As a result, the reds produced are remarkably concentrated and well-structured. Valentino Schiotti of Farnese rates the 2012 vintage "as one of the best in recent years. VINIFICATION Grapes were de-stemmed and crushed, and then underwent a cold maceration for 4 days. This was followed by fermentation in stainless steel at 24-26°C for 8 to 10 days. This wine did not undergo any oak ageing in order to preserve the vibrant primary fruit characters. Grape Varieties 100% Montepulciano Winemaker Filippo Bacalaro TASTING NOTES Closure Screwcap Ruby red in colour with garnet hints. On the nose this is intense, with vibrant dark bramble fruits, complemented by floral and ABV 12.5% spice characters. These follow through on to the palate which is Residual Sugar 2g/L concentrated, full-bodied and well-balanced with firm tannins. Acidity 5.5g/L Wine pH 3.6 Notes Certified Organic, Vegetarian.