Fantini Montepulciano Abruzzo Opi Riserva 2016

Fantini Montepulciano d’Abruzzo Opi Riserva 2016 is a rich, structured red that showcases just how refined Montepulciano can be when crafted with care. Drawn from selected high-altitude vineyards in Abruzzo, this is Fantini’s flagship expression, offering depth, concentration and a polished, modern style. The “Opi” Riserva line has helped elevate Montepulciano d’Abruzzo from everyday table wine to a serious, cellar-worthy classic.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, the 2016 Opi Riserva shows an intense, deep ruby color with garnet reflections at the rim, hinting at its evolution. The nose is generous and layered, with ripe black cherry, plum and blackberry compote framed by notes of violet, sweet spice, cocoa, licorice and a touch of toasted oak and vanilla. On the palate, this is full-bodied yet remarkably balanced, with ripe dark fruit at the core supported by firm but velvety tannins. Flavors of black cherry, blackcurrant and dried fig unfold into notes of espresso, dark chocolate, tobacco and a savory, almost balsamic edge. The acidity is fresh and lively, giving lift to the richness and ensuring a long, persistent finish. As a Riserva, it is already harmonious, but a wine of this structure and concentration can easily continue to develop for another 5–8 years from now, gaining further complexity and tertiary notes of leather, dried herbs and truffle.

Production
The grapes for Fantini Montepulciano d’Abruzzo Opi Riserva come from carefully selected hillside vineyards in Abruzzo, where the combination of calcareous-clay soils, good drainage and significant day–night temperature swings produces naturally low yields and excellent concentration. The fruit is typically harvested by hand at optimal ripeness to ensure only the best bunches make it into the final blend. After a gentle crushing and prolonged maceration to extract color, aroma and tannin, fermentation takes place under temperature control to preserve fruit purity. The wine is then aged for an extended period—partly in oak barrels—to refine the tannins, add complexity and integrate the subtle spicy and toasted notes that define the Opi Riserva style.

Food & Serving
This Montepulciano d’Abruzzo Riserva is a natural partner for robust, flavorful dishes such as slow-braised beef, lamb shank, osso buco, game stews, grilled ribeye, and rich ragùs over pappardelle or tagliatelle. It also pairs beautifully with aged hard cheeses like Pecorino, Parmigiano Reggiano and mature caciocavallo. Serve at 16–18°C to highlight both its fruit and savory complexity. Decanting for 45–60 minutes before serving is recommended, especially at this stage of its life, to allow the aromatics to fully unfurl and the tannins to soften.

Producer
Fantini, part of the Farnese Vini group, has become one of Abruzzo’s most visible and influential producers, known for combining local grape varieties with a contemporary winemaking approach. Founded with the aim of showcasing the potential of Southern and Central Italian regions, Fantini sources from select hillside vineyards and works closely with growers to prioritize quality and typicity. In Abruzzo, their work with Montepulciano and other indigenous varieties has helped raise the profile of the region on the international stage. The Opi Riserva line, in particular, stands as a flagship expression, underscoring Fantini’s ability to craft wines that are both accessible and age-worthy, reflecting the character of Abruzzo while appealing to modern wine lovers.

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