Fantini Casale Vecchio Lot 23 Montepulciano d'Abruzzo 2019 (Italy) - Wine Review

Tonight's wine review is a nice, organic Montepulciano d'Abruzzo that is a general list product at the LCBO and readily available across Ontario.

Vini Fantini is one of the brands that form the Farnese Group of wineries. Fantini is located in Ortona, within the Province of Chieti in Abruzzo, along the Eastern coast of central Italy. The wines from the Abruzzo estate became famous during the 16th century when Princess Margaret of Austria and her husband, Prince Farnese, began producing high-quality wines that were enjoyed across Europe. Throughout the years, Farnese has ensured that wines from this Abruzzo estate have kept their excellent reputation.

In addition to producing high-quality wines, the Farnese Group also gives back to the surrounding community by partnering and signing long-term contracts with small family-run farms that have been in the area for generations. Farnese also brings in world-class consultants to work with these families to grow higher-quality grapes. At the winery, Farnese uses advanced winery technology to ensure the wines reflect the authentic characteristics of the varietal.

The Casale Vecchio Lot 23 is Fantini's first foray into production of organic Montepulciano d'Abruzzo from the areas surrounding their winery in Ortona. The grapes for this red wine come from Lot 23, the first plot in their vineyard within the municipality of Ortona that was converted to organic farming. This coastal land is in a sun-kissed area at 320 metres above sea level that overlooks and exposes itself to the blue Adriatic sea while also under the presence of the massif Majella.

This Montepulciano d'Abruzzo is planted on steep slopes with medium-textured soils tending to clayey. Located on coastal lands, there is great variation in temperatures between day and night, thus creating a natural balance between the flavours and acidity. At the winery, the grapes were carefully selected and destemmed, then softly crushed. After fermentation, the wine is aged in American and French oak barrels for 6-7 months.

Tasting Note:

FANTINI CASALE VECCHIO LOT 23 MONTEPULCIANO D'ABRUZZO 2019 - DOC, Abruzzo, Italy (#612788) (D) - $9.80
This organic Montepulciano d'Abruzzo has a medium intensity nose offering aromas of blackberry, cassis, and sweet spices in a slightly honeyed profile. It's medium bodied on the palate with fresh acidity supporting the very ripe, sunny flavours of blackberry, cassis, and vanilla. The structured tannins are somewhat grippy, while woody notes linger on the finish, with good length. Score: 88 pts

Other wines from Fantini can be found at the LCBO, as well as through their Agent - Profile Wine Group.