Expert Reviews - Vintage 2020
Vinous 92 Points | The 2020 Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Vigneto Sant'Eusanio is spicy and intense, with a vivid blend of black raspberries and cloves offset by worn leather and dusty earth. It floods the palate with silken textures and ripe red and blue fruits underscored by saline minerals and saturation of exotic spice. Gently tannic and dramatically long, this finishes with outstanding clarity and freshness while boasting a structure that will support cellaring.
James Suckling 92 Points | Aromas of well-ripened red fruit and berries, sage, rosemary and clove. Medium-to full-bodied with silky tannins. Juicy and fresh with good clarity and transparency. Succulent finish. Drink now.
Winemaker Description
The wine name Vigneto Sant'Eusanio means “Vineyard Saint Eusanio,” named after the vineyard itself, like all cru wines made by Valle Reale. It honors Eusanio, a Christian martyr from the 4th century.
In 1999, the Pizzolo Family set out to restore an old Montepulciano d’Abruzzo vineyard on their property. Their deep respect for the land, rooted in generations of farming tradition, led them to an extensive study of the grape’s origins. Years of careful observation and experimentation culminated in 2007, when they committed fully to their passion: producing wines using only indigenous yeasts, embracing the unpredictability of spontaneous fermentation. They refined their approach with the pied de cuveé technique, guided by the expertise of winemaker Enrico Antonioli, trained in Burgundy.
Their dedication to natural winemaking allows the rich biodiversity of Valle Reale’s pristine environment to shine through in each bottle. Vigneto Sant’Eusanio is also Kosher-certified (though not Mevushal).
Memo Summary Notes
The Valle Reale "Vigneto Sant'Eusanio" Montepulciano d'Abruzzo 2020 is a unique, high-altitude expression of Montepulciano that stands out for both its winemaking philosophy and its rare kosher certification for a "cru" Italian wine.
Unlike the heavy, oaky style often associated with the region, this is a "mountain wine"—leaner, high in acidity, and stylistically closer to a Pinot Noir or a cool-climate Syrah.
Its high acidity makes it incredibly versatile. Pairs beautifully with lean red meats, roasted duck, mushroom-based pasta, or eggplant Parmesan. It is also excellent with traditional dishes like slow-cooked brisket.
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