Inalto - Campo Affamato Montepulciano d’Abruzzo Doc 2018
Pairing Suggestions
Inalto - Campo Affamato Montepulciano d’Abruzzo Doc 2018 (89+ TSW)
Adolfo De Cecco's @adolfo_de_cecco wine project is a new one but one with deep roots. Inalto produces high-altitude wines in the province of L’Aquila, one of the best-suited areas in Italy. The birthplace of Montepulciano, the region of choice for Abruzzo Pecorino. Between the Tirino Valley and the Subequana Valley, between the municipalities of Ofena, Villa Santa Lucia and Acciano.
In a tenacious land of mountains as high as the Gran Sasso and full of plains where the vine has lived for centuries. In Abruzzo, Europe’s green region. Vineyards that are almost a century old alongside recently planted vineyards. Twelve hectares of vineyards.
The Campo Affamato vineyard has its roots in a soil of alluvial origin, with a clayey-calcareous composition, rich in skeletons. Vines about 30 years old, with espalier training system (guyot pruning) and a density of 3800 plants per hectare. Harvested at the end of October for a yield of about 60 quintals/hectare. It ferments spontaneously in steel, with the help of pied de cuve, where it macerates for about 30 days. It is refined in large barrels (20hl) and tonneau for 14 months.
My tasting notes:
In the glass an intense dark ruby red color.
On the medium(+)nose aromas of sour cherries, plums and cedar with hints of spices, violets, tar and liquorice.
On the palate dry, medium(++) bodied with medium(+) acidity and medium(+) ripe tannins. Flavours are a recall of the nose with a medium(+) length salty and chocolate finish.
To pair with roasted meat, barbecue, shepard’s pie, stuffed baked potato, aged cheddar or roasted mushrooms.