"Tucked away in the hills of Suvereto near Bolgheri on the Tuscan Coast – one of the hottest areas in Tuscany – is the 15-acre Montepeloso estate. The winemaker, Swiss-born Fabio Chiarelotto, admits about his wine that it's "easy produce concentrated wines in such a hot climate...but it's much harder to achieve elegance and finesse." In order to take full advantage of the terroir's potential, he overhauled the vineyards in 1997 – retraining, pruning, and even regrafting many vines. In the cellar, he does relatively short macerations, employs natural yeasts during fermentation, and bottles without filtration.
Nardo (Tuscan dialect for lavender), remains Montepelosos' flagship wine. It is an unfiltered blend of approximately 70% Sangiovese, 20% Montepulciano, and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, and never made in a quantity of more than 400 cases a year.
Beginning in 1997, there is a second luxury cuvée, made in even smaller quantities--Gabbro, 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from 35 year-old years. Approximately 120 cases are produced.
The estate's basic Rosso was renamed Eneo for the 2000 vintage. This wine has emerged as something special in its own right since Chiarelotto's arrival, and the new name celebrates that fact. It remains primarily Sangiovese, with Colorino and Merlot, and is aged in 2nd and 3rd year French barrique. It remains a pure and powerful, yet elegant example from this heralded zone of Tuscany.
Production will gradually increase as the young vineyards reach maturity. For now, these remain among Italy's elite rarities."
Vinous Media 93 "The 2016 A Quo shows just how great this vintage is. Powerful and deeply layered in the glass, the 2016 also boasts remarkable
Wine Advocate 95 "The 2015 Eneo is a beautifully saturated and concentrated wine. The unusual blend used here is Sangiovese with Montepulciano, Marselan and Alicante Bouschet.
James Suckling 92 "Plenty of ripe fruit for a cool vintage with fresh mint and thyme undertones to the citrus and berry character. Medium body, firm
James Suckling 94 "A rich and layered red with chocolate, spice and hints of grilled meat that follow through to a full body, with depth and
Wine Advocate 92 "A little oaky on first nose, the 2013 A Quo is a robust red blend based primarily on Montepulciano, Cabernet Sauvignon and Sangiovese.
Antonio Galloni 96 "One of the great wines of this vintage, the 2010 Eneo is dazzling. Subtle hints of earthiness, new leather, smoke, bacon fat, tobacco
James Suckling 93 "Intense aromas of lavender and sea rosemary with dark fruits. Full body, firm tannins and a blueberry, lemon-rind and currant character." (45% Cabernet
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