Emidio Pepe

Emidio Pepe is a leading figure in Abruzzo’s wine industry, based in Torano Nuovo, in the northern part of the region, amidst a hilly landscape influenced by both the Adriatic Sea and the Gran Sasso. This natural balance, combined with clay-limestone soils, constant breezes and marked daily temperature variations, promotes gradual ripening and allows the native grape varieties to express themselves clearly, particularly Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, Trebbiano d’Abruzzo and Pecorino.

The producer’s identity stems from an observational approach to viticulture, centred on soil vitality and the continuity of plant material. The pergola continues to play an important role: it protects the bunches, facilitates slow ripening and helps to preserve freshness, balance and refined tannins. The biodynamic approach – involving preparations, green manure, wild vegetation and a focus on biodiversity – reinforces the idea of the vineyard as a living ecosystem, capable of generating spontaneous fermentation and profiles unique to each season.

In the winery, an artisanal and minimally interventionist approach prevails. The grapes are harvested by hand; the white grapes are trodden by foot, whilst the Montepulciano is destemmed by hand to keep the berries and the yeasts on the skins intact. Fermentation takes place spontaneously in small vitrified concrete tanks, a material chosen for its neutrality and its ability to complement the wine without overpowering it. The absence of filtration and the long ageing in bottle result in wines that are deep, vibrant and distinctive, in which Abruzzo’s character shines through in its energy, body, minerality and longevity.