Emidio Pepe

The Story

The Pepe family estate has been passed on through multiple generations since it was founded in 1899 and for much of that time it was dedicated to growing high yields of grapes to sell to a local co-op. It was only in 1964 that Emidio Pepe decided that the quality of their grapes was too good to waste and moved towards producing their own wines. Back then, this was limited to just a single hectare of vines. Today it stands at around 15 hectares.

While Pepe’s wines today are produced using painstakingly precise organic and biodynamic techniques, in the 1960s he initially tried to be ahead of the game, buying the latest and most innovative machinery. But he soon realised that this would mean constantly upgrading his machines to meet the demands of a local market known for its cheap, bland, and young wines. Instead, he took a leap of faith and developed his own philosophy of winemaking – much to the derision of other winemakers at the time, many of whom, understandably, were awestruck by the rapid modernisation of farming technology.

While his wines today represent some of the best in the region, his early vintages found little appreciation, especially in Italy. In fact, it was only after a trip to New York that he found a market – an early stepping-stone towards the international reputation he has today.

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The People

Emidio, Sofia, Daniela & Chiara

Emidio Pepe is assisted in his work by two of his daughters, Sofia and Daniela, and granddaughter Chiara. His other daughter, Stefania, runs her own winery. The terroir they work on is in the hills, between the Adriatic Sea and the Apennine Mountains, creating excellent conditions for the Montepulciano and Trebbiano grapes that grow there.

The vines are grown up pergolas, which means that the leaves soak up the hot summer sun, while the grapes hang below in the cooler shade. This technique also allows better airflow around the plants. The soil, mainly of clay and calcareous rock, is maintained using traditional methods, the grapes are picked by hand, and treatments using synthetic chemicals are strictly avoided. Another peculiarity of Pepe is that he uses exclusively cement tanks to age his wines, rather than oak barrels which he feels adds unnecessary oak tones in the wine. Emidio's wines are unfiltered, unfined, and sulphites are forbidden.

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The Place

Abruzzo, Italy

Nestled between the hills, the Adriatic Sea and the Apennine Mountains, the terroir is perfect for the Montepulciano and Trebbiano grapes that are grown there. The vines are trained up pergolas, which allows the leaves to soak up the hot summer sun, while the grapes hang below in the cooler shade. This technique also allows better airflow around the plants. The soil, mainly of clay and calcareous rock, is maintained using traditional methods, the grapes are picked by hand, and treatments using synthetic chemicals are strictly avoided. Another peculiarity of Pepe is that he uses exclusively cement tanks to age his wines, rather than oak barrels which he feels adds unnecessary oak tones to the wine. Emidio's wines are unfiltered, unfined, and sulphites are forbidden.

Emidio Pepe Location

Discovery Wine Box

Selection of 3 Bottles - £225

This selection is the ultimate introduction to Emidio Pepe’s philosophy and the terroir of Abruzzo.

The Trebbiano comes from 40 year old vines on clay and limestone, crushed in a wooden vat by foot then aged in cements vats for a year.

Trebbiano d’Abruzzo is an elegant variety. It becomes complex and refined with aging, and more than any other variety, can express the weather of the season, becoming a strong voice of its terroir. This bottle is perfect to enjoy with mushroom-based pastas and would benefit from being opened an hour before.

The Pecorino was planted in 2007 and the first vintage released in 2010. It's made in the same way as the Trebbiano but aged for only 6 months.

The wine shows a beautiful acidity with a light spritz. It's medium to full bodied with hints of dried mint, almond blossom & orange zest. Open the bottle 30 minutes before you want to drink it to give it some air. It perfectly pairs with grilled fish or white meat.

The Montepulciano comes from vines that are over 50 years old and are planted over clay & limestone. It is then aged for 2 years in concrete tanks.

This young and bold juice shows pronounced and concentrated aromas of black fruit, leather, meat, spices, earth, smoke and liquorice mixed with great truffle notes which will only get stronger! It's well born with elegant tannins and will age nicely for a decade or two. With the game season well on the way, this is the perfect wine for romantic dinners centred around braised partridge or grilled duck breast.

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Iconic Wine Box

Selection of 6 Bottles - £855

This collection of vintages gives you the perfect representation of how Emidio Pepe wines show their true potential and why they have become iconic on the international market.

The Trebbiano & Pecorino are your gateway to Italy, without the hassle of packing your bags.

The Montepulcianos are the perfect selection of vintages to enjoy now or to lay down as part of a collection to enjoy in years to come.

2010 & 2015 will only improve over the next 5 to 10 years and the 2000 & 2001 are the ideal treat to tuck into on a special occasion.

2015: This young and bold juice shows pronounced and concentrated aromas of black fruit, leather, meat, spices, earth, smoke and liquorice mixed with great truffle notes which will only get stronger!

2010: An exceptional vintage with a superb balance of acidity, fruit and tannin; full of spicy aromas of red berries, caraway seeds and a very long finish.

2001: This is an absolutely stunning wine that's in a perfect drinking window right now, with just a hint of primary fruit giving way to savoury aromas of earth and spice.

2000: After 20 years, this beautiful wine has developed delicious aromas of black cherries, tobacco & autumn leaves. It is perfectly balanced with great complexity, elegant texture and a never ending length.

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