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 Producer:
Silvia
Imparato
Region: Campania
DOC(G):
Colli
di Salerno IGT
About the Producer:
From the volcanic
slopes in Campania, this little estate is a recent phenomenon that
can compete with the great estates of the region such as Feudi
di San Gregorio, Mastroberardino, and Vestini
Campagnano. Like
the other cult wine of Campania, Galardi,
the estate only produces one wine which started out as a hobby
from famed photographer Silvia Imparato.
Collectors around the world scramble for this limited production
cult wine. In IWM’s eyes, it is the Masterpiece of the South
and is the most consistent quality wine from that region. In nine
years, this elegant blend of Aglianico (10%), Merlot (30%), and
Cabernet Sauvignon (60%) has been crowned with the coveted Tre
Bicchieri
award eight times and ratings of 94 points from Parker.
More on Montevetrano (notes from Silvia Imparato):
Montevetrano is on a hill near San Cipriano Picentino, between
the glorious remains of Magna Graecia at Paestum and the celebrated
Roman ruins of Pompei and Herculaneum, half an hour's drive from
Amalfi, a quarter of an hour from the sea, and within easy reach
of Capri and the splendid Cilento coast. It lies at the foot of
a mediaeval castle, ancient Roman in origin. Its 27 hectares are
protected from cold northern winds by the Appenines, while enjoying
a fine southern exposure that guarantees many hours a day of beneficial
sunlight.
The vineyards are on the hillside, 150 metres above sea level;
some few vines are a little higher, just beneath the castle. The
grapes, which are harvested by hand, are carefully selected. The
three varieties are fermented separately. In 2001 work on the new
cellar, which also houses the offices, was completed: a great milestone!
We are glad to have this opportunity to express our gratitude to
all
those who have supported us with their interest and their understanding
of the workings of our small but not insignificant estate, to which
we continue to devote ourselves with so much passion.
History of Montevetrano:
It all begins with a passion for wine shared by a group of friends,
and the excitement of experimenting together, at a time when our
touchstones were the wines of Bordeaux. In 1985 we grafted Aglianico,
Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot onto rootstocks of Barbera, Per'è Palummo
(Piedirosso) and Uva di Troia, on some two hectares of land. In
1991 the very first (and very few) bottles of Montevetrano appeared,
just for friends, from 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Aglianico.
There was great jubilation: it all seemed such wonderful fun, but
also quite a surprise, because Montevetrano was so much better
than anyone had expected. Riccardo Cotarella took the whole thing
very seriously. Luca Maroni, then a budding wine critic, gave us
his blessing as he went his
way, Renzo Cotarella, now the general manager of Antinori, wished
us well, and Clara Viscogliosi (life and soul of Roman wine-lovers,
she ran Roffi Isabelli, the wine shop in Via della Croce) got married
and withdrew from view, and so the group dispersed.
Silvia Imparato and Riccardo Cotarella have remained, fighting
the good fight for the sake of a really great wine that improves
with age. It is the fruit of its countryside, a product of southern
Italy, a land full of potential (which had by no means, back then,
been
fully fathomed), thanks to the mildness of its climate, the vine-worthiness
of its soil and the professional skills and energy of the people
who live and work here. Meanwhile investment increased and '92
saw more bottles produced; it was also a decisive year for defining
the composition of Montevetrano
which, from then on, has been 10% aglianico taurasi, 60% cabernet
sauvignon and 30% merlot. In all the subsequent years, including
the 2000 vintage, despite differences due to the varying effects
of the weather, the wine has continued to be complex, structured,
richly spicy in bouquet, and fruity on the palate.
Related Wines and Links: De
Conciliis, Feudi di San Gregorio,
Galardi, Imparato,
Mastroberardino,
Salvatore Molettieri,
Terre del Principe,
Vestini Campagnano, Villa
Carafa.
Featured Wine(s):
Imparato
Montevetrano
To purchase these wines, call our Portfolio
Managers at 212.473.2323.
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