Fantini Cinque Autoctoni Collection 23 Limited Release

The wines from Abruzzo became famous worldwide in the XVI century, thanks to Princess Margaret of Austria and Farnese has made sure it has kept its high reputation throughout the years. Margaret of Austria and her husband Prince Farnese began producing wines of very high quality that were drunk at feasts all over Europe. Farnese has carried on this tradition with a highly advanced, complete and flawless programme of production and marketing.

Grapes for the Cinque Autoctoni are grown in the communes of Colonnella, Ortona, Sava and San Marzano. The Montepulciano and Sangiovese grapes are from the hills in Abruzzi which is situated at 300 metres above sea level. While the remaining varieties, which includes Negroamaro and Malvasia Nera, are grown in Southern Puglia. For this reason, the wine is classified as a Vino da Tavola. A deeply coloured, intense and powerful wine that is, according to its creator, Valentino Sciotti, 'a true taste of Southern Italy'

Grapes were pressed and destemmed before maceration and fermentation which lasted 25 days. Malolactic fermentation took place in new oak barriques, of which 60% were American and the remainder French. The wine remained in oak for 13 months. The varieties are aged separately before blending to create a rich and powerful, yet eminently drinkable wine.

This wine is deep ruby red in colour, with intense aromas of blackberry and cherry-enriched with aromatic herbs, cinnamon, cocoa, liquorice and an interesting mineral note. The palate reveals a balanced structure with a lifted, elegant freshness. Soft, velvety tannins lead to a long fruity finish.