At a glance

Producer

Emidio Pepe

Region

Abruzzo, Italy

Grape variety

Montepulciano

Wine type

Red

Body

Full-bodied and Bold

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$70-$90

Tasting profile

Ruby garnet color, aromas of wild cherries, dried herbs, earth, and mineral notes; palate with firm tannins, bright acidity, and a long savory finish

Evolution: Secondary notes of tobacco, forest floor, and leather will emerge with age

At peak: Full complexity with harmonious tannins, matured fruit, and persistent finish

Structure

Acidity

High, providing freshness and longevity

Tannins

High, robust and well-integrated with ageability

Alcohol

13.5%-14%

Aging potential

Excellent, suitable for 15-20+ years aging due to natural viticulture and wine structure

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2030 to 2045

Optimal window

2025 to 2048

Current status

Approaching early maturity, still quite youthful

Current condition

Tannins still firm with fresh acidity, developing layered complexity

The wine's high tannin and acidity from Montepulciano grapes, combined with Emidio Pepe's traditional natural winemaking methods and viticultural practices, support extended aging. The 2020 vintage quality and natural balance contribute to a long optimal drinking window well beyond 15 years.

Food pairing

Pairs excellently with rich roasted meats, game, aged cheeses, mushroom risottos, and traditional Abruzzo dishes such as lamb and grilled sausages.

Serving

Serving temperature

16-18°C / 61-64°F

Decant

Yes (1-2 hours) — To allow natural sediment to settle and to soften tannins and aerate the wine for full aromatic expression

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 9/10

Emidio Pepe practices dry farming, abstains from chemical pesticides and herbicides, employs biodynamic protocols, minimal intervention winemaking without added sulfites, uses natural yeast fermentation, and manual harvesting.

Emidio Pepe is globally recognized for its commitment to ecological viticulture and natural winemaking methods. The use of dry farming conserves water, biodynamics promote soil health, and absence of synthetic chemicals reduces chemical run-off. Minimal intervention and natural aging practices result in a truly sustainable product. Packaging choices and shipping logistics are addressed to minimize carbon footprint. The score of 9 reflects top-tier sustainability within the wine sector.