At a glance

Producer

Emidio Pepe

Region

Abruzzo, Italy

Grape variety

Montepulciano

Wine type

Red

Body

Full-bodied and Bold

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$40-$60

Tasting profile

Notes of red cherries, wild berries, tobacco leaf, leather, and earth; vibrant minerality with a rustic character

Evolution: As it ages, tannins soften and tertiary aromas develop including forest floor, truffle, and dried herbs

At peak: Complex, balanced wine with integrated tannin and expressive nuanced aromatics

Structure

Acidity

High acidity providing freshness and longevity

Tannins

High, firm and chewy tannins typical of traditional Montepulciano d'Abruzzo

Alcohol

12.5-13.0%

Aging potential

20+ years under proper cellar conditions

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2028 to 2044

Optimal window

2024 to 2047

Current status

Drinking well with excellent age potential

Current condition

Recently bottled; shows structured tannins and vibrant acidity; will benefit from additional cellar time

Emidio Pepe is a highly respected traditional producer using natural, low-intervention methods including no filtration, indigenous yeasts, and aging in large Slavonian oak casks. This results in a slow maturing wine with strong tannic structure and acidity that supports long-term aging. The 2019 vintage’s profile and vintage quality indicate it will develop beautifully for 20+ years.

Food pairing

Pairs excellently with grilled red meats, aged cheeses, hearty pasta with ragù, and roasted game

Serving

Serving temperature

16-18°C / 61-64°F

Decant

Yes (1-2 hours) — To soften tannins and allow complex aromas to open up

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 9/10

Emidio Pepe practices organic and biodynamic viticulture, uses indigenous yeasts for fermentation, minimal intervention in cellar, no filtration or additives, and ages wines in large Slavonian oak casks minimizing new oak usage. Limited mechanization preserves soil health and biodiversity.

Emidio Pepe is renowned for its commitment to sustainable farming and natural winemaking. Their biodynamic certification reflects rigorous ecological stewardship. Renewable energy usage at the estate and water conservation measures further lower environmental impact. Packaging uses traditional bottles with minimal waste. Overall, the producer exemplifies sustainability principles typical of heritage natural wine producers from Abruzzo.