Five Autochthonous Grapes, the South in a Bottle

The Farnese winery is a young reality born in Abruzzo. In just a few years, the company grew rapidly and gave life to the Gruppo Farnese Vini, which expanded its vineyards across the entire southern Italian territory, particularly in Puglia, Campania, Basilicata, and Sicilia.

From this came the idea of capturing in a single bottle the fullest expression of the main autochthonous grape varieties of southern Italy, giving birth to "Edizione Cinque Autoctoni" – produced from a blend of native grapes, specifically: Montepulciano 33%, Primitivo 30%, Sangiovese 25%, Negroamaro 7%, Malvasia Nera 5%.

A gamble, perhaps?

At first glance, perhaps yes – at least that was the opinion of some industry experts who seemed a bit skeptical.
Many, however, had to change their minds, silenced immediately after tasting.

Speaking of tasting, I couldn't resist and decided to subject this highly sought-after 2011 vintage wine to the judgment of my palate.

Pouring it into the glass, you can immediately sense that we have a "powerful" wine before us, driven by the dominance of the two grape varieties Montepulciano and Primitivo – deep ruby red in color, intense, likely due to the fact that it probably did not undergo filtration.
Bringing the glass to the nose, the multiple olfactory facets become immediately apparent: intense fruitiness, with red fruits standing out – particularly blackberry, cherry, and plum – then gradually tertiary aromas emerge from the barrique aging: cinnamon and cocoa are the most easily recognizable, with a faint herbal note of aromatic herbs on the finish.
On the palate, all the warmth from its alcohol content – 14% – is evident, yet well balanced between good softness, freshness, and I would also say savouriness from a slight minerality. Tannic yes, but with sweet tannins softened by aging in American barrique.
On the palate we find aromas of ripe red fruits and jam, with spiced and toasted notes on the finish.
Certainly a refined, full-bodied wine, ready to drink even at a young age.

It is a meditation wine that, served at a temperature of 16/18°C, pairs excellently with equally structured and substantial dishes: red meat, game, and aged cheeses.

Until the next tasting...