Tiberio
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo – 2019
Region: Italy - Abruzzo
Tiberio
The story of Azienda Agricola Tiberio rings more like a new world tale than one from the old world of the ancient lands beneath the Majella and Gran Sasso mountains in Abruzzo. At 1150 feet/350 meters, twenty three miles inland from the seaside city of Pescara near the hillside town of Cugnoli, Riccardo Tiberio found an old plot of Trebbiano Abruzzese vines roughly 50 years old so impressive that he decided to change his and his family’s destiny.
Over a decade ago, Cristiana and Antonio, daughter and son of Riccardo, took over reins of Tiberio. Cristiana, a chemistry specialist who also teaches college sommelier and enology classes, handles winemaking and is the global brand ambassador. Antonio leads grapegrowing and viticulture. The dynamic team have established Tiberio, and Abruzzo, in the forefront of leading-edge wine making and renown in this central part of Italy. Today, Tiberio farms 74 acres/30 hectares of vines.
Reviews
92+ Points
The 2019 Montepulciano d’Abruzzo has a dark and impenetrable deep purple color. In the glass the 2019 develops an intense display of crushed rocks, savory exotic spice, lavender and black raspberries. This is velvety and rich in texture. It drenches the palate in a concentrated wave of ripe wild berry fruits, with brisk acids working to offset the wine’s youthful, primary vigour. There’s an inner sweetness here, which can currently be sensed more than tasted, along with notes of sweet herbs, violets and wild botanicals. The 2019 finishes structured, almost chewy and incredibly persistent. This is far from your average bottle of Montepulciano, and it will require a few years to come fully into focus. In 2019, Tiberio lost about 40% of their Montepulciano crop due to the cold temperatures in May. This wine shows that natural selection through its intensity, making this vintage something of a rare bird and one to seek. 2022 – 2029
Vinous, April, 2021
90 Points
Winemaker Cristiana Tiberio is one to follow. Her terroir-led Montepulciano d’Abruzzo focuses on bold black berry aromas with hints of chocolate and coffee. There’s some grip on the palate, overlaid with soft, fleshy and voluptuous black fruits. Inky depths and violet highlights give contrast, while good acidity lends freshness. A superb food wine. 2022 – 2026
Decanter, August, 2022