First Class Wine
Vineyard & Wine
At an elevation of 200 meters (600') above sea level, in 2001, about 5 acres of vines were planted, all from local clones of the traditional Montepulciano grape. This region, called the "Colline Teramane," after the nearby mountain town of Teramo, is acknowledged to produce the finest wine in the region. It is the first and only zone in the Abruzzo to be given the Italian government's highest quality ranking of DOCG (Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita).
The first small-scale vintages of Montepulciano were made in 2003-4. In 2005, the first Scarpone Montepulciano d'Abruzzo DOCG was made with the assistance of highly-respected local enologist Loriano di Sabatino. It was custom-crushed at the nearby state-of-the-art winery of Centorame, where young Lamberto Vanucci himself makes spectacular Colline Terramane wines. The wine was aged for 14 months in new small French barrels. Three hundred six-pack cases were made.
This wine represents the culmination of a generations-old dream for Lorenzo and the Scarpone family. It is a special tribute to Lorenzo's father, Vincenzo, who taught him to love and respect the land and to enjoy the fruits of their very special "terroir" with family and friends around the world.
Scarpone Montepulciano d'Abruzzo DOCG – Tribute to Vincenzo
In 2005, the first Scarpone Montepulciano d'Abruzzo DOC was made with the assistance of highly-respected local enologist Loriano di Sabatino. It was custom-crushed at the nearby state-of-the-art winery of Centorame, where young Lamberto Vanucci himself makes outstanding Colline Terramane wines. This special cuvée represents the culmination of a generations-old dream of Lorenzo and the Scarpone family. It is a special tribute to Lorenzo's father, Vincenzo, who taught him to love and respect the land and to share the fruits of their very special "terroir" with family and friends around the world.
Grapes
Montepulciano D'Abruzzo
Vinification
Aged for 14 months in small French oak barrels
Characteristics
Dark garnet colors, Deep ripe plum flavors. Firm tannins have been mellowed, but not overwhelmed, by the oak. Drinking beautifully already, but will gain complexity with 5-10 years of bottle aging.
Food pairings
Ideal with Abruzzese lamb dishes or any substantial meats. Pasta with meat sauces. Aged cheeses, especially pecorino.
Production
360 cases (6 bottles per case)
Scarpone Montepulciano d'Abruzzo DOC
For the this vintage, the more mature vineyard produced a larger crop of very high-quality grapes. We were able to make a slightly larger quantity of wine in the traditional fresh and lively style of Montepulciano. We were very fortunate to have a house in the midst of such an ideal wine-growing area!
Grapes
Montepulciano D'Abruzzo
Vinification
Fermentation in stainless steel, then aging in large Slavonian oak barrels.
Characteristics
Bright and fresh berry fruit. Excellent depth of color and flavor. Naturally, soft tannins make it very accessible for current drinking. It will improve for at least 5 years (but will probably all have been enjoyed long before that).
Food pairings
All tomato kinds of pasta and pizzas. Grilled chicken, meats, and sausages. Mozzarella and medium-strong cheeses.
Production
450 cases (12 bottles per case)
Scarpone Pecorino in Amphora
Pecorino grapes are grown in the Colli Aprutini appellation in the area of Teramo, in the Abruzzo region of Italy. Colli Aprutini is one of the greenest areas in Italy. They sit on the foothills of the majestic Gran Sasso, overlooking the Adriatic Sea. This Pecorino has the unique characteristic of aging in a traditional clay amphora for six months in a cellar near the cold climate of the Gran Sasso mountain.
The wine has a straw yellow color with a floral elegant scent of tropical fruit, mountain herbs, and licorice. In the mouth, it has a great fruity structure balanced by fresh acidity and a long finish.
It pairs well with a wide range of seafood like crudi and oysters. Perfect with crab, lobster, scallops, and many seafood pasta dishes. It is also good with charcuterie and medium-aged cheeses.