Tenuta Ulisse Montepulciano d'Abruzzo

With a story rooted in both intuition and a relentless pursuit of innovation, Tenuta Ulisse stands as a dynamic force in the Abruzzo wine scene. From the foundational vision of Don Antonio Ulisse, the winery has maintained a tenacious spirit, consistently exploring the vast potential of Abruzzo's historical grape varieties since 2006. This young, forward-thinking company is driven by a desire to evolve and experiment, making innovation a cornerstone of their identity. As a true family business, the Ulisse family works together with care and respect, united by shared values and a collective dream to be active contributors to the oenological renaissance of their beloved Abruzzo. Their commitment to questioning traditional processes in production and storage allows them to venture into unexplored territories, with the unique taste of their wines serving as a testament to their dedication to research and continuous improvement.

The heart of Tenuta Ulisse's production lies in the Abruzzo region, specifically in the areas of Crecchio and Lanciano. Here, the vineyards benefit from deep, finely-textured, moderately alkaline, and very calcareous soil, providing an ideal environment for the Montepulciano D’Abruzzo grape. This historical variety, once mistakenly linked to Sangiovese, is now recognised internationally for its quality, thanks in part to the passion of producers like Tenuta Ulisse. Their vineyards, with an average age of 20 years, are cultivated using the spurred cordon system at a height of 50 cm, with 4000 to 5000 multiclone vines per hectare. Yields are carefully managed at 6000-7000 kg per hectare to ensure optimal grape concentration. The harvest takes place at the beginning of November, with grapes meticulously hand-picked into crates. In the winery, the winemaking process involves destemming followed by 15-20 days of maceration in stainless steel tanks. A soft crushing is performed in an inert environment at 0.7 bar, and fermentation occurs in inerted stainless steel tanks at temperatures between 24-26°C. The wine then ages for 4 months in stainless steel before bottling.

This Montepulciano D'Abruzzo offers an engaging tasting experience. Typically, it presents a vibrant ruby red colour, often with subtle violet reflections. The nose is greeted with an intense and persistent bouquet, showcasing fruity notes of ripe red berries such as cherry and blackberry, sometimes accompanied by hints of plum and subtle spice. On the palate, the wine is generally well-bodied and balanced, with a pleasing tannic structure that is both present and well-integrated. Flavours of dark fruit persist, leading to a satisfying finish with good length. This approachable yet characterful red wine is a true expression of the Abruzzo terroir and Tenuta Ulisse's dedication to quality winemaking.