Emidio Pepe wines with Chiara De Iulis Pepe

Tasted Monday, February 12, 2018 by lightning with 293 views

Introduction

A small and intimate tasting session with Chiara (granddaughter of Emidio Pepe), with interesting information about the family's history, nature of their viticulture (pergola training of vines - quite rare nowadays due to increased land requirement per vine), and winemaking (glass-lined concrete, no oak influence, unfined and unfiltered, no acidification, red grapes destemmed by hand, foot-trodden).

15ha planted, with approximately 8.5ha Montepulciano d'Abruzzo no 6.5ha Trebbiano d'Abruzzo. Around 85000 bottles each year, 30000 being Trebbiano d'Abruzzo. Only a small amount is released at the outset, most of the wines are held back for later release.

Flight 1 - Emidio Pepe whites (2 Notes)

Flight 2 - Emidio Pepe - younger Montepulciano (4 Notes)

  • 2010 Emidio Pepe Montepulciano d'Abruzzo 90 Points

    Italy, Abruzzi, Montepulciano d'Abruzzo

    Nose tightly wound. On the palate it was like a light Cabernet Sauvignon, fine dry grippy tannins, ripe plums, a touch of coffee, medium bodied, with discreet acidity sewn into the fabric of the wine.

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  • 2008 Emidio Pepe Montepulciano d'Abruzzo 91 Points

    Italy, Abruzzi, Montepulciano d'Abruzzo

    Chiara described as a warmer vintage. Aromatically brighter and more expressive than the 2010, pure red fruit characters; on the palate there was fuller fruit presence, yet still gracefully medium bodied, with a mineral savoury twist on the midpalate. Quite approachable now.

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  • 2007 Emidio Pepe Montepulciano d'Abruzzo 91 Points

    Italy, Abruzzi, Montepulciano d'Abruzzo

    This had been decanted by the winery prior to release. Chiara described vintage 2007 as similar to 2010. A reserved nose, some subtle cereal notes can be coaxed. This one looked very young - dark purple with little colour change to the rim) and was somewhat unyielding. Lovely silky texture.

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  • 2005 Emidio Pepe Montepulciano d'Abruzzo 88 Points

    Italy, Abruzzi, Montepulciano d'Abruzzo

    This had been decanted by the winery prior to release. Chiara described as a wet vintage.

    In the flight of 4, this looked considerably older than the rest, the red-brown colour suggesting a wine pre-2000. Earth, plum and sour red fruits on the nose; pronounced acidity, medium bodied, red and dark fruits, some grip on the midpalate, good length. Probably best to drink these up.

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Flight 3 - Emidio Pepe - older Montepulciano (4 Notes)

  • 2001 Emidio Pepe Montepulciano d'Abruzzo 93 Points

    Italy, Abruzzi, Montepulciano d'Abruzzo

    Effusive bright red and dark fruits with a nice touch of funk. Light to medium bodied, this had a gorgeous silky texture and wispy acid on entry followed by fine tannins and pure red fruits on the midpalate; wonderful length. My favourite of the night.

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  • 2000 Emidio Pepe Montepulciano d'Abruzzo 89 Points

    Italy, Abruzzi, Montepulciano d'Abruzzo

    This one was a bit reclusive on the nose, and the ripe stewed fruit and coffee aromatics hint at the warm vintage. Plum, prunes and perhaps a touch spirity, it still remains medium-plus bodied and elegant, fine length.

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  • 1994 Emidio Pepe Montepulciano d'Abruzzo 90 Points

    Italy, Abruzzi, Montepulciano d'Abruzzo

    A pronounced acidity attacks on entry, red fruit and barberry flavours, light to medium bodied. Aromatically and on the palate this is reminiscent to a Barolo with 30-40 years of age. Lighter, but very enjoyable.

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  • 1983 Emidio Pepe Montepulciano d'Abruzzo 88 Points

    Italy, Abruzzi, Montepulciano d'Abruzzo

    Well into tertiary territory now, probably on the decline. Goji berries and muscat aromas, pronounced zingy malic acid on the midpalate, some red fruits. Light bodied, but none the worse for it. Drink up.

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Closing

A rare and wonderful opportunity to sample a broad range of this producer's wine. Vintage characteristics were typically very evident, but what remained consistent throughout was elegance and balance. "Technical" tasters might not enjoy these wines though, but I feel that the funkiness adds to the complexity and charm.

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