Emidio Pepe Trebbiano d'Abruzzo 2021
94pts Vinous Media
Wonderfully floral and complex, the 2021 Trebbiano d'Abruzzo continues to improve in bottle with a perfumed bouquet that mixes apricot with crushed almond, yellow flowers and white smoke. This soothes the palate with its enveloping textures as a tinge of candied citrus enlivens ripe green apple and melon tones. It leaves the palate completely refreshed with a spike of acidity and mineral concentration, adding a crisp feel. Although enjoyable today, the 2021 is positioned for greatness over time. Drinking Window: 2026 – 2034 - By Eric Guido on May 2025
Emidio Pepe remains one of Abruzzo's most important estates and leaders in quality. Things here are in a constant state of flux, yet the team maintains respect for the estate’s history and takes gradual steps forward. Chiara De Iulis Pepe continues to bring new vineyard projects, biodiversity aims and regenerative soil practices to the equation. She doesn’t think in terms of five or ten years, she thinks in terms of fifty years and the next generation that will take the reins. The 10,000-pound gorilla in the room is the recent installation of an irrigation system. Pepe knows full well that some people will criticize her for this decision, but she's thinking progressively after the disastrous 2024 vintage, the driest year on record. I witnessed the effects of 2024 firsthand—tiny canopies and shriveled bunches. Pepe explained that there was only 55% of the average amount of juice in the berries. The winery team spent 40 days sorting berries to ensure that the little wine they could make would be the best possible. De Iulis Pepe’s thoughts on irrigation are conservative: to use it only when absolutely necessary to protect the survival of her vines. Construction of a new winery will begin in mid-April and is expected to be completed within the next year and a half. As for the wines, I like what I’m seeing from the 2023 vintage. The 2023s come across as very old-school in character. I can’t wait to see how they mature. The 2024s may be more variable, but it’s too soon to tell.
Description
94pts Vinous Media
Wonderfully floral and complex, the 2021 Trebbiano d'Abruzzo continues to improve in bottle with a perfumed bouquet that mixes apricot with crushed almond, yellow flowers and white smoke. This soothes the palate with its enveloping textures as a tinge of candied citrus enlivens ripe green apple and melon tones. It leaves the palate completely refreshed with a spike of acidity and mineral concentration, adding a crisp feel. Although enjoyable today, the 2021 is positioned for greatness over time. Drinking Window: 2026 – 2034 - By Eric Guido on May 2025
Emidio Pepe remains one of Abruzzo's most important estates and leaders in quality. Things here are in a constant state of flux, yet the team maintains respect for the estate’s history and takes gradual steps forward. Chiara De Iulis Pepe continues to bring new vineyard projects, biodiversity aims and regenerative soil practices to the equation. She doesn’t think in terms of five or ten years, she thinks in terms of fifty years and the next generation that will take the reins. The 10,000-pound gorilla in the room is the recent installation of an irrigation system. Pepe knows full well that some people will criticize her for this decision, but she's thinking progressively after the disastrous 2024 vintage, the driest year on record. I witnessed the effects of 2024 firsthand—tiny canopies and shriveled bunches. Pepe explained that there was only 55% of the average amount of juice in the berries. The winery team spent 40 days sorting berries to ensure that the little wine they could make would be the best possible. De Iulis Pepe’s thoughts on irrigation are conservative: to use it only when absolutely necessary to protect the survival of her vines. Construction of a new winery will begin in mid-April and is expected to be completed within the next year and a half. As for the wines, I like what I’m seeing from the 2023 vintage. The 2023s come across as very old-school in character. I can’t wait to see how they mature. The 2024s may be more variable, but it’s too soon to tell.
