2023 Montepulciano

Montepulcino has developed quite a cult-like following among our customers. I initially
thought folks were attracted to the novelty of a California winery making this prominent
Central Italian wine. However, after making and selling our Montepulciano for 18 years, I’d say
you like UNTI Montepulciano. You really like UNTI Montepulciano.

Since our very first vintage in 2006, we have been making Montepulciano that has the
structure and body of a Cabernet with the fruit and acidity of an Italian wine. This is due
to two primary factors: 1. Limiting crop level by thinning the crop. 2. Growing MP in an
AVA that is cooler than its native land in Italy (Abruzzo and Le Marche). Our climate
allows for more even ripening which preserves acidity and tannin structure.

The 2023 Montepulciano is from our best vineyard block planted in 2005 near Dry
Creek. Like the Sangiovese West Terrace, these vines consistently make our most
complex MP. This is especially evident in our 2023. The long, cool ’23 growing season
produced a wine with great purity of fruit in a structured wine with amazing balance. Like
the 2021 MP, this ’23 will age for at least 7 to 10 years, if you so desire.

Montepulciano 101:

  • MP is Italy’s second most heavily planted red grape. It is grown primarily in the
    central eastern regions of Abruzzo and Le Marche, however it is also grown in
    Lazio, Molise, Puglia and Umbria.
  • Approximately 86,000 acres of MP in Italy. Approx 120 acres in CA. UNTI has 2.5 acres.
  • Medium to large berries, loose clusters, thick dark skins.
  • Late bud-break and late ripening. UNTI’s latest ripening grape.
  • Grapes can produce Cabernet-like tannin structure when made from lower-yielding vines
  • wines that can age 10 plus years.
  • Usually aged in oak barrels and foudre for 12-24 months.
  • DOCGs include Conero Riserva and Offida Rosso (Marche), Coline Teramane
    (Abruzzo).
    UNTI Favorites:
    Le Marche -Le Terrazze ‘Sassi Neri’ Conero Riserva, Oasi degli Angeli ‘Kurni’,
    Lanari
    Abruzzo – Eduardo Valentini, Emedio Pepe, Christina Tiberio, Illuminti ‘Zana’