Montepulciano d'Abruzzo 'Anfora' Cirelli 2023

The Montepulciano Anfora by Francesco Cirelli is a unique and multifaceted testimony of one of the most vocated Italian red grapes. An elixir without filters or manipulations, which "limits" itself to expressing the territory and vintage, accompanied by Francesco's skilled hand in winemaking: this is the belief that the Cirelli family has always followed, owners of a few hectares in Atri, in the province of Teramo, and convinced supporters of a less interventionist approach possible. The native varieties thrive without the use of chemical or synthetic substances, while in the winemaking phase, spontaneous fermentations and the use of amphorae, unglazed and unglossed are employed. Shifting liquids, capable of moving for their direct expressiveness but at the same time of great elegance.
The red Montepulciano D'Abruzzo Anfora comes from pure grapes of the same name cultivated in Teramo, partly from owned vineyards and partly rented. The winemaking follows the usual procedures followed by Francesco. Therefore, after a rigorous manual selection, the grapes are brought to the winery for destemming and crushing. The alcoholic fermentation of the must takes place in terracotta amphorae, through a previously prepared pied de cuve initiated by indigenous yeasts. The maceration on the skins lasts about 12 days, and after the malolactic fermentation carried out in amphora, the liquid matures in the same container for about 12 months.
The Francesco Cirelli Montepulciano D'Abruzzo fills the glass with its dense ruby robe. The nose, territorial and varietal to the core, unfolds aromas of blackberry, leather, earth, and chocolate. A picture with dark tones, truthful, but at the same time extremely harmonious. The tasting does not betray expectations, and offers a liquid where matter and tannin intertwine millimetrically. Rich, but at the same time extremely juicy, it has the ability to embrace everyday cuisine, due to its being warm and sincere. A true photograph of terroir, not to be missed.