🏰 The 2013 Emidio Pepe Montepulciano d'Abruzzo, initially perceived as lean, reveals its expressive and enjoyable character with aeration, though maintaining a somewhat reticent style. It presents as leaner and lighter in body compared to other vintages, yet retains its inherent intensity. This wine boasts a dense, fully opaque blackish-red colour. The nose is nuanced with savoury aromas of gamey meat, spices, ripe black cherries, wizened sour cherry, elderflower, balsamic richness, and sweet raisiny fruit. The palate is dense yet surprisingly dry, sinewy, and delicate, offering intense, crunchy flavours of dark forest fruits, fresh blueberries, inky tones, leathery funk, earthy nuances, tart lingonberries, chokeberries, and liquorice root. It is characterised by high acidity and firm, well-proportioned, moderately grippy tannins. Other tasting notes include leather, dehydrated beef, cassis, cacao, blackberry, clove, spice, white grapefruit, raspberry, rosemary, all-spice, and Bing Cherry. 【 From an estate renowned for producing some of Italy's finest wines, with a steadfast commitment to natural farming and traditional winemaking since 1964. 】 🍴 This Montepulciano d'Abruzzo pairs exceptionally well with beef and venison. The Pepe family recommends it with various meat dishes or the local Pecorino cheese of Abruzzo. It's also an excellent match for hearty pasta dishes, mushroom risotto, and pizza. 🥂 While wonderful now, this wine is a treasure that will be stunning with further cellar ageing (20+ years). It's an ideal choice for a special dinner, particularly when paired with robust Italian cuisine, offering a profound and evolving experience.