99pts Luca Maroni

Luca Maroni is a leading Italian wine critic, author and media figure, with a unique approach to evaluation.

Winemaker Notes

The successful winemakers of Collefrisio in Abruzzo also offer a nice appassimento. The 60% Montepulciano and 20% Merlot grapes dry on the vine and are only harvested in the second half of October. The 'normally' harvested sangiovese adds freshness to the wine and provides a nice balance with the concentrated, dried grapes.

Collefrisio's winemaker Amedeo de Luca dispenses with oak aging and prefers the concentrated fruit aromas that characterize the appassimento method in this wine. The result is a dark-colored red wine that smells beautifully of ripe blackberries and cherries. It also has a great taste thickness with a lot of flexibility.

Deep red wine with ripe red fruit, blackberries and candied nuances in the aroma. The taste is full, round and soft and develops well-balanced with a long, aromatic aftertaste. 

Blend: Montepulciano 60%, Merlot 20%, Sangiovese 20%