San Clemente is Cantina Zaccagnini’s single vineyard Riserva — a wine from a specific place with a specific story. The vineyard sits in the Casauria Valley, named after the Abbey of San Clemente a Casauria, an Italian national monument since 1894 that housed the relics of Pope Clement I in 872. His image appears on the label. The soils are medium-textured clay with southern exposure, subject to constant ventilation and strong diurnal temperature variation — conditions that produce Montepulciano of genuine depth and structure.
Appearance
Deep red with purplish highlights and excellent clarity.
Nose
Broad and immediately captivating — floral rose and blueberry jam lead, followed by licorice, cumin, white pepper and a sweeping mineral note of graphite. Complex, layered and distinctly Abruzzese.
Palate
Decidedly textural and voluminous, yet dynamic and driven by vital tannins and vibrant freshness. The gustatory rhythm is lively rather than heavy — a structured wine that carries its 14.5% with composure. Long mineral finish with lingering spice and dark fruit.
Winemaking
Hand harvested in the second decade of October. Destemmed and fermented for 15–20 days in 50hl oak vats at 28–30°C. After extended maceration, racked and decanted for 48 hours before 18 months of ageing, including 9 months in barrique. 14.5% alc. • 750ml. Serve at 16–18°C.
Cellaring
Drink now or cellar for 8–12 years. The Riserva structure rewards patience.
Single vineyard: San Clemente, Casauria Valley, Abruzzo. Medium-textured clay soils with southern exposure. Constant year-round ventilation and strong diurnal temperature variation. Low production per plant. Hand harvested in the second decade of October. Named after the Abbey of San Clemente a Casauria — an Italian national monument since 1894, which housed the relics of Pope Clement I in 872, depicted on the label.
Freshly harvested Montepulciano grapes are destemmed and fermented for 15–20 days in 50hl oak vats at 28–30°C. Following extended maceration, racking is performed and the wine decants for 48 hours before ageing for 18 months, including 9 months in barrique. Dosage: Dry. 14% alc. 750ml.
