Gran Sasso Montepulciano d'Abruzzo 2025
Gran Sasso Montepulciano d'Abruzzo
Region: Abruzzo, Italy
Vintage: 2025
Bottle size: 75cl
Grape: Montepulciano
ABV: 14.5%
The wine is ruby red with garnet highlights, defined by bright aromas of juicy red berries and plum, complemented by hints of vanilla. On the palate, it is full-bodied with silky tannins.
It is unusual for Montepulciano at this price point to be made by a team that works closely with their growers. Valentino and his team are an exception, as they work hands-on with the vineyard team to ensure that the grapes are of high quality. The grapes for this wine are grown around Roseto degli Abruzzi on the Adriatic coast of the Abruzzo region. The vines are planted on steep slopes, which provide optimal sun exposure.
On arrival at the winery, the handpicked grapes were destemmed and crushed before a cold maceration for four days. Fermentation took place in temperature-controlled stainless steel and concrete tanks at 24-26°C for 8-10 days. Continuous racking and punch-downs were performed to optimise flavour extraction from the skins. The wine was kept in stainless steel tanks before bottling to preserve fresh fruit flavours.
The Gran Sasso wines are part of the Fantini group, which was founded in 1994 by Valentino Sciotti with the aim of producing top-quality wine from Abruzzo. The project is named after the highest mountain of the Apennines that protects the regions vines from westerly weather systems. Combined with breezes from the nearby Adriatic Sea and soils ranging from clay marl, sand and limestone on the slopes, to gravel and alluvial stones on the plains, this singular microclimate is key to achieving remarkable quality fruit. The Gran Sasso wines are made by winemakers Rino Santeusanio and Francesco De Santis, with input from acclaimed consultant Alberto Antonini. Together, they create wines with a freshness and vivacity that sets them apart from many in this area.