Vino Rosso "Concrete"

2021
Italy
Abruzzo

100% Montepulciano. From certified-biodynamic estate vines of around 25 years old. The fruit is harvested manually, later than for "Le Cince" Cerasuolo and earlier than for "Prologo" red. The grapes are destemmed but not crushed; they are fermented spontaneously with indigenous yeasts and no temperature control in concrete tanks. Maceration is about 4 days.  The wine is also aged in concrete--hence the very literal name--for 10-11 months and bottled without fining, filtration or sulfur (sparingly applied during racking but not bottling). It is classified as Vino Rosso, so the only geographical indicator on the bottle is "L.A.", in reference to the winery's home community of Loreto Apruntino (which happens to be the oldest viticultural area of the Abruzzo).

91 points
"Orange oils, cranberries, sage and hints of smoke waft up from the 2020 Rosso Concrete. It rushes the palate with masses of mineral-tinged, cherry-berry fruits, motivated by zesty acids that create an almost-crunchy feel toward the close. Inner violet and lavender tones resonate throughout the long yet only lightly structured finale, along with a twang of sour citrus that seals the deal. There’s so much energy here, yet I suggest serving it at cellar temp for the best result. Part of the unique and exotic character of the Concrete Rosso comes from the process of using whole berries, which are destemmed but not crushed, then fermented for four days prior to pressing"
Eric Guido,
Vinous Media
October 2022

SKU/Code: 
DB3154-21
Product Line: 
Wine
Red
Varietal: 
Montepulciano
Farming Type: 
Biodynamic