Montevetrano - Colli di Salerno IGP 2016
Price: $89.98
| Producer | Montevetrano |
| Country | Italy |
| Region | Campania |
| Varietal | Red Blend |
| Vintage | 2016 |
| Sku | 03272 |
Montevetrano Description
Proprietress Silvia Imparato indulged in wine as a hobby until she decided to rebuild her family’s vineyards in Montevetrano, in the oft-underestimated region of Campania. She employed the skills of highly regarded winemaker Riccardo Cotarella and they have created an outstanding icon wine they decided to name Montevetrano.
Location of Vineyard
Montevetrano is a small zone in the hills near the commune of San Cipriano Picentino, not far from Salerno. Mountains surround the property, with the vineyards situated on gentle slopes facing south by southwest. The heart of the estate is a beautiful, ancient villa. In the first years of production the basement of the villa also served as the cellar. Now the wine is made and stored in a new modern cellar, built in 2000. Silvia and her friends use the old cellar for private vintages. Within a very short period of time her work with Cotarella has produced an absolute jewel in this location.
Winemaking Philosophy
Between the end of September and the start of October, Montevetrano first harvests the Merlot grape, followed by the Cabernet Sauvignon and finally the Aglianico. Fermentation initially occurs in steel vats for about 15 days, after which the wine is transferred to new barrels for 10-12 months. The process is traditional but also strictly controlled, guaranteeing proper refinement and a balanced maturation. The process also ensures the grapes retain the regional features typical of Montevetrano. Cotarella is particularly proud of this wine, being the very first icon wine he has made; he considers it the father of his reds.
Tasting Notes
Deep ruby-red in color, aromas of blackberries and spices complement undertones of black currants, licorice, tobacco, earth, and leather. On the palate, Montevetrano is full-bodied, yet elegant with fine-grained tannins and a rich, silky texture.
Food Pairing
Pair this wine with roasted beef, demi glaces, black truffle ravioli, and beef Wellington.
James Suckling: 98 Points
Stunningly fresh nose of blackcurrants, blackberries and elderberries with myriad spice and herbal nuances. Breathtakingly fine tannins and great freshness packed into a sleek frame, the wine gliding over the palate gracefully as it heads out towards eternity. Delicious now, but with enormous aging potential.
Wine Advocate: 95 Points
The 2016 Montevetrano hits it out of the ballpark with beautiful intensity and lush richness that feels seamless and balanced. This is a celebrated blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Aglianico and 20% Merlot that delivers impressive characteristics that can be traced to each one of those grapes. You get the structure and the cherry-infused softness of the two French grapes with the dark fruit and the flinty crushed stone and spice of the native Aglianico grape. The vines are 20 years old on average and are planted in rich soils with plenty of rocky material. This wine is submitted to a careful 14 months in French barrique.
Vinous Media
Good full ruby-purple. Flint and aromatic herbs complicate dark plum and graphite on the nose and in the mouth. Savory herbs and a saline bite emerge on the long, taut finish. A refined version of Montevetrano that should age well.
-- Ian D'Agata
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