Montepulciano DOP Harimann 2017 – Pasetti

Well, what more can be said about the Montepulciano DOP Harimann? Bibenda, Forbes, Gambero Rosso, and many other top international critics have already praised it. I’ll just add that this is a wine that delivers on its promises. It lives up to all the expectations created by the hype. I can’t recall ever tasting a better Montepulciano than this. The best part? It will only get better with time! Now we’re left to discover just how far it can go. An exceptional wine.

PASETTI

Pasetti’s history dates back to the Bourbon era when Silvestro Pasetti purchased land and began planting vineyards. Silvestro’s son, Rocco, continued his father’s dream, even when facing and defeating the phylloxera plague.

Today, the winery is run by Mimmo, who balances preserving Abruzzo’s heritage with his natural inclination for innovation. His eldest daughter, Francesca, had red hair, just like Madame Rachele, Franco’s mother. Franco named the “Testarossa” Montepulciano and Trebbiano wines in tribute to these two women, symbols of the family’s past and future. Now, Testarossa is the most representative brand of the Pasetti winery.

All of Pasetti’s wines are produced in the Gran Sasso e Monti della Laga National Park. These wines reflect a deep connection to local places and native grape varieties. The red Testarossa is crafted from Montepulciano d’Abruzzo grapes, while Trebbiano d’Abruzzo, Pecorino, and Passerina white grape varieties are used for other wines. Pasetti also produces a sweet white wine from Moscatello di Castiglione grapes, an ancient variety that was nearly lost.

At a time when many viticulturists planted international grape varieties like Cabernet, Merlot, and Chardonnay, Mimmo focused on native grapes. He believed these grapes would excel in the right soils. With this conviction, Mimmo revived Pecorino, an ancient vine variety. The gamble paid off, and today, Pecorino wine offers great opportunities for the entire Abruzzo winemaking community.