Ausonia Montepulciano d’Abruzzo Apollo 2022

Ausonia is a small biodynamic estate run by Simone and Francesca near Atri, in the province of Teramo, on the hilly Adriatic side of Abruzzo. Apollo is their Montepulciano d'Abruzzo, grown on calcareous clay soils that hold water through the dry Mediterranean summer and feed the vines steadily during ripening. The warm coastal climate brings the thick-skinned Montepulciano grape to full maturity, while cooler nights off the Apennines preserve acidity and aromatic detail. Biodynamic farming and unforced cellar work keep the fruit central. Maceration on the dark skins extracts colour and the grape's characteristic tannin, and ageing in wood softens that structure through slow oxygen exchange while adding a savoury frame. The wine is dense purple, with a nose of ripe plum, black cherry and dried herbs over leather and liquorice. The palate is full and warming, with firm but ripe tannins, peppery spice and an earthy, mineral finish. Serve at 16 to 18 degrees, ideally decanted an hour ahead, with roast and braised meats.