Our iconic Montepulciano commands attention with undeniable complexity and strength. Grown on the hottest, most exacting plot in our vineyard, these low-yielding vines achieve perfect physiological ripeness, delivering a wine that’s not for the faint-hearted. This is concentration and complexity distilled: a wine that speaks deeply of Hans’ soul in the vineyard. Each sip reveals real elegance, power, and sumptuousness, an immense, emotional experience that makes every glass a moment to savour and unwind. Vintage 2021 An exceptional season for our late-ripening, mighty Montepulciano. No effort was spared in the vineyard: spur-pruned, shoot-thinned, leaf-plucked and meticulously bunch-thinned to capture the purest expression of this Italian variety. Traditionally harvested by hand around Hans' birthday in early April, our 25-year-old vines produce exceptionally low yields, resulting in remarkable concentration, complexity and a flavour profile that truly reflects the soul of Hans' winegrowing. Hans' Winemaking Comments Perfectly healthy grapes were destemmed and underwent an extended cold soak to extract exceptional flavour, colour and naturally occurring antioxidants from the skins. Wild yeast fermentation proceeded slowly at cool temperatures, followed by extended post-maceration to build depth, texture and structure. After gentle pressing, the young wine was transferred to French oak barriques for natural malolactic fermentation. It then matured for 36 months on its fine lees, allowing minimal oxygen exchange to gradually soften the tannins and acidity while preserving the purity of the fruit. Following three years in barrel, the wine was further refined by an additional two years of bottle maturation before release. Unfined. Unfiltered. Bottled with only the minimum effective sulphur. Tasting Notes Alluring, complex and beautifully layered, the bouquet reveals dark cherries, blueberries and ripe plums intertwined with notes of violets, dark chocolate and exotic spices. The palate is vibrant yet seamless, with juicy acidity, finely rounded tannins and extraordinary depth. A wine of elegance, power and generosity, it unfolds with remarkable precision and emotion, culminating in an immensely long, lingering finish. Magnificent in its youth, it possesses the structure, balance and concentration to reward decades of careful cellaring. Technical Data Variety 100% Montepulciano Rootstock 101.14 / Riparia Gloire Vine Planted 1996 Soil Shallow (<45cm) stony, gravel and sandy soil. Well drained, developed from stony alluvium. Not one row shows the same soil type. Planting Density 5,500 vines/ha Yield 2t/ha Alcohol 14% Residual Sugar <1g/L Ageing Potential 15+ years Bottles Produced 1470 Food Matching Suggestions Food Match Therese loves it with pasta, especially a rich Carbonara, or a perfectly grilled T-bone steak. Perhaps a touch of overindulgence... but this powerful wine thrives alongside hearty, generous dishes. Equally, it’s a joy to sip on its own at the end of the day, working quietly, and quite wonderfully, as a natural sleeping pill.