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

The Pasetti winery’s history begins in the Bourbon era, when Silvestro Pasetti purchased land and planted vineyards. His son, Rocco, carried on his father’s vision. He faced and overcame the phylloxera plague, ensuring the family legacy endured.

Today, Mimmo runs the winery. He carefully preserves Abruzzo’s winemaking traditions, while also embracing innovation. His eldest daughter, Francesca, has red hair, a feature that connects her to both Madame Rachele and Franco’s mother. The Testarossa wine line, named in tribute to these women, has become the winery’s flagship brand.

All of Pasetti’s wines are crafted within the Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga National Park, an area that embodies the connection between the land and local grape varieties. The Testarossa red comes from Montepulciano d’Abruzzo grapes, while other wines are made using Trebbiano d’Abruzzo, Pecorino, and Passerina varieties. Additionally, Pasetti produces a sweet white wine from Moscatello di Castiglione grapes, an ancient variety once nearly lost.

While many winemakers chose international varieties like Cabernet, Merlot, and Chardonnay, Mimmo believed native grapes would thrive in the right soil. His belief led him to revive Pecorino, an ancient grape variety. This decision proved successful, and today, Pecorino wine offers immense potential for the entire Abruzzo wine community. Viva l’Abruzzo!