Montepulciano D'Abruzzo OPI RISERVA BIOLOGICO 2012

93 Points Luca Maroni & 91 Points Wine Enthusiast – Rare 2012 OPI RISERVA BIOLOGICO – Prestigious Colline Teramane DOCG – 24 Months Oak-Aged – Rich, Complex and Elegantly Developed

Fantini/Farnese OPI RISERVA BIOLOGICO 2012 is a premium organic Montepulciano d'Abruzzo from the prestigious Colline Teramane DOCG, one of Abruzzo's most distinguished wine-growing areas. Produced by the internationally acclaimed Fantini winery, formerly known as Farnese Vini, this Riserva demonstrates the depth, structure and ageing potential of 100% Montepulciano.

The grapes originate from Tenuta Cantalupo in Notaresco, in the province of Teramo, where organically cultivated hillside vineyards benefit from a distinctive microclimate influenced by the Gran Sasso mountains and the nearby Adriatic Sea. These conditions favour the development of ripe fruit, balanced acidity and the firm tannic structure characteristic of high-quality Montepulciano.

The 2012 vintage was particularly successful in Abruzzo, with a warm, predominantly dry growing season producing concentrated and well-structured red wines. Fantini's careful selection of grapes and traditional winemaking techniques resulted in a wine of considerable richness and character.

OPI RISERVA 2012 displays a deep ruby-red colour with developing garnet reflections and a complex bouquet of ripe black cherries, dark plums, blackberry jam and dried red berries, complemented by tobacco, liquorice, vanilla, cedar, sweet baking spices and subtle earthy notes. On the palate, it is full-bodied, concentrated and richly textured, with generous dark fruit, polished oak influences, persistent acidity and a long, savoury finish.

Following careful hand harvesting and grape selection, the wine undergoes approximately 25 days of maceration and fermentation, followed by malolactic fermentation. It then matures for 24 months in French and American oak barriques, developing additional structure, aromatic complexity and a rounded texture.

The 2012 vintage offers a distinctive opportunity to explore a premium Montepulciano Riserva with substantial bottle development. Its original dark-fruit intensity may have evolved towards dried cherries, tobacco, leather, earthy spice and savoury complexity, while its underlying acidity and tannins provide structure. The extended oak maturation and naturally robust character of Montepulciano make this an interesting older vintage for enthusiasts of developed Italian reds.

A richly flavoured, structured organic Riserva with the depth of Montepulciano, the complexity of extended oak ageing and the additional character that can emerge with time – an excellent companion to hearty cuisine and special dinners.

International Recognition – 2012 Vintage

93 Points – Luca Maroni

91 Points – Wine Enthusiast