Winemaker Notes
Sourced from the two hectare Branella vineyard. Purchased by the family in 1981. The name of the vineyard, Branella, comes from the name of the former owner of the parcel.The Branella vineyard has different zones within it with distinct geological variations. Some classic "speckled" blue clay marls on the northern / top of the vineyard. Distinct sandy zone in the center with a lower pH.2020 is the first release of both single vineyards at Emidio Pepe: Casa Pepe & Branella. These two wines replace the one Montepulciano d'Abruzzo from old vines.
Montepulciano is the second most planted red variety in Italy after Sangiovese, though it is achieves its highest potential in the region of Abruzzo. Consistently enticing and enjoyable, Montepulciano enjoys great popularity throughout central and southern Italy as well. A tiny bit grows with success in California, Argentina and Australia. Somm Secret—Montepulciano is also the name of a village in Tuscany where, confusingly, they don’t grow the Montepulciano grape at all! Sangiovese shines in yet another Tuscan village, here making the reputable wine called Vino Nobile di Montepulciano.
This significant Tuscan village—not to be confused with the red grape of the same name widely grown in Abruzzo and the Marche regions—was home to one of the first four Italian DOCGs granted in 1980.
Based on the Sangiovese grape (here called Prugnolo Gentile), the village’s prized wine called Vino Nobile di Montepulciano ranks stylistically in between Chianti Classico, for its finesse, and Brunello di Montalcino for its power. With a deep ruby color, heavy concentration and a firm structure given by the village's heavy, cool clay soils, most Vino Nobile di Montepulciano will demand some bottle age.