2008 Kudos, Talamonti, Abruzzo, Italy, Colline Pescaresi IGP

Talamonti was founded by the Di Tonno family, in a magnificent, unspoiled part of the Abruzzi. The daily objective lies in constantly seeking the best interaction between the varietal in their vineyards, the sun-exposition, the training method, and the desired yield, with the sole desire to best express our unique terroir.

Talamonti vineyards at the turn of the century have expanded to 32 hectares in production in the municipality of Loreto Aprutino. In addition to the native Montepulciano d’Abruzzo and Trebbiano d’Abruzzo, other varietals have been planted. Pecorino, for example was planted in 2004 as part of an estate experiment to study the ability of other varieties to adapt and express themselves.

Composed of Montepulciano d’Abruzzo (70%) and Merlot (30%).

The soil is deep, calcareous, stony, well-structured and drained. Altitude: 350 meters above sea level. The two varieties are hand harvested separately early October for best ripening and vinified separately with 22 days of maceration and fermentation at 26-28 ° C for the Montepulciano, with a prolonged skin/wine contact to obtain an extraction of velvet tannins and to give an ample structure to the wine. The Merlot undergoes a fermentation of 15 days at 23-25 ° C to extract colour and body, but essentially to preserve the fragrance of this noble grape.

Subsequently the wines are individually aged in 300 - liter French barriques (Troncais and Allier) for 12 months. The barrels for the Montepulciano were grilled medium-heavy, those for the merlot only medium low. At this point the wines are blended and further aged for 12 months in 300 liter French barriques and 12 months of bottle rest follow to end the cycle.