At a glance

Producer

Tenuta Ulisse

Region

Abruzzo, Italy

Grape variety

Montepulciano

Wine type

Red

Body

Medium-bodied and Earthy

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$18-30 USD / bottle (as of 2024, secondary market and recent auctions)

Tasting profile

Stewed cherry, blackberry, dried plum, tea leaf, cocoa powder, subtle earth, integrated oak and tertiary spice

Evolution: Moved from fresh black fruit & floral in youth to dried fruit, earth, and leather; tannins round and acidity softened

At peak: At peak 2016-2019 with freshest primary fruit; now expected to show more mature, savory, and dried components

Structure

Acidity

Medium to medium-high; supportive but mellowed with age

Tannins

Medium; integrated, now softening

Alcohol

13.5-14%

Aging potential

Medium term; best fresh and youthful, but can age 8-10 years in good storage

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2016 to 2019

Optimal window

2015 to 2021

Current status

Mature; drinking now or soon recommended

Current condition

Near/just past peak; will hold for a short period but gradual decline possible

Tenuta Ulisse Montepulciano d'Abruzzo is crafted for earlier enjoyment, with ample fruit and moderate structure but not designed for extended cellaring. 2012s have reached maturity, with optimal age behind them. Remaining bottles provide evolved, complex, but fading aromatics.

Food pairing

Braised beef, ossobuco, lamb stew, rich pasta ragùs, grilled mushrooms, aged Pecorino or Parmigiano-Reggiano

Serving

Decant

Yes (30 minutes) — The wine is 13 years old with medium tannins that are now softening, which can benefit from aeration to enhance its aromas and flavors.

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 6/10

Tenuta Ulisse employs minimal chemical use, promotes biodiversity, hand harvesting, and targets lower energy use in vinification; sustainable packaging initiatives since mid-2010s, but not fully recycled in 2012. No advanced water reclamation or renewable energy systems listed at that time.

Tenuta Ulisse demonstrates a mid-level sustainability approach—embracing some integrated and minimal-intervention vineyard practices, biodiversity, and low-impact viticulture. However, lack of full organic or biodynamic certification for 2012, standard (not lightweight) glass, no advanced water/energy or carbon offsetting, and overseas transport for exports moderate the overall score. Estate has since improved but for 2012, the sustainability is good for its region and class, but not best-in-class.