1997 Imparato Montevetrano Italy (Other)

1997 Imparato Montevetrano

96 RP

Featured Review

This is staggering in its complexity and richness. Proprietor Silvia Imparato is a shining star. Sadly, her small vineyard of 10 acres produces only 500 cases from a blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, and 10% Aglianico. The wine is bottled unfined and unfiltered after spending 12 months in 100% new French oak. Amazingly, the new oak is completely absorbed by the fruit. Stylistically, it is reminiscent of an Italian version of the Colgin or Bryant Family Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon. Its mild blackberry/vivid blueberry, fabulously fragrant, floral-scented nose jumps from the glass. Opaque purple-colored, with a layered, naturally textured feel, this full-bodied, spectacularly concentrated, multidimensional wine must be tasted to be believed. A prodigious effort, it may be the finest Montevetrano yet made ... which is saying something given how spectacular other vintages have been. Anticipated maturity: 2004-2020. Robert Parker

Robert Parker | 96 RP

The estate's 1997 Montevetrano is a beguiling wine. Amazingly, the tannins remain a touch hard! There is wonderful integrity to the dark fruit. This is a decidedly virile and powerful Montevetrano, even if floral and spice notes add a sense of lift to the finish. All things considered, the 1997 is a flat-out great Montevetrano, and another few years in bottle can only help harmonize some of the very slight rough edges that still remain.

Vinous Media | 95 VM

Rich and velvety, with plenty of good fruit. Currant and blackberry, with hints of mineral and mint. Full-bodied, with ultrasoft tannins and a long, long finish. Wonderful fruit and style. Just starting to come into its own.--1997 Italian blind retrospective. Best from 2008 through 2014.

Wine Spectator | 95 WS

Type of Wine	Italy (Other) : There are dozens of grape varietals grown in Italy so no wonder they produce such a broad range of most exquisite wines. Some of the most cultivated red varieties are Nebbiolo, Aglianico, Sangiovese, and Barbera, while Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon are also popular. Among whites, you're likely to find Pinot Grigio, Trebbiano, or Vernaccia varietals.
Varietal	Other
Country	Italy : Italy is renowned as one of the world’s greatest gastronomic havens; from certified Prosciutto di Parma to the sea-side seafood eateries on the island of Sicily. However, this epicurean experience could not possibly be as hedonistic without the ethereal combination of the country’s plethora of fine wines. It seems unfair that a nation should be able to boast, both, some of the world’s greatest cuisine as well as its greatest wines. Italian wine is one of the most sought after in the world, and has become the second most produced in the world, behind only France. Stretching an impressive 736 miles from northern Italy to the peninsula’s southern tip, the country’s geography generates an enormous array of topography, climate and soil structure. This is an extremely important quality of its winegrowing and making industry which lays claim to nearly 550 different grape varietals, which all desire their own necessities, in terms of terroir and climate. The still red wines of Italy truly characterize the nation’s vast and expansive terroir; Nebbiolo dominates Piedmont, where Barolo and Barbaresco reign king and queen of the region’s production. Hailing from Brunello di Montalcino in Tuscany, the rockstar Sangiovese grape has become synonymous with greatness. Vin Santo sweet wines have taken on a mighty feat of competing with the glorious wines of Sauternes, and of course, Prosecco. Prosecco, located in Trieste (northeast Italy) and its creation of luxuriously effervescent styles of wine has become Italy’s answer to Champagne. The Glera grape variety, which has become synonymous with the name Prosecco, is the main ingredient and is beloved in the appellation where the village of Prosecco’s name has become world renowned. The blurred boundary between Italy and the countries of Slovenia and Austria, where German influence still resonates through Friuli wines. The prevalence of Riesling and other such grape varietals is high in this region and have become extremely popular on today’s market. With nearly 702,000 hectares of grapevines covering the massive and diverse landscape, Italy’s annual average of 48.3 million hectoliters of wine production is second only to France in terms of volume and Spain in terms of hectares of vines. The country is vast and overwhelming when it comes to the culinary arts, but perhaps even this is overshadowed by its production of some of the world’s most sought after wines, whether the omnipresent Chianti to the highly collectible and sought after Amarone della Valpolicalla.
Region	Campania : You simply can't leave Italy without devoting enough time to each one of the spectacular wine regions where you can find some of the most sensational wines you've ever tasted. It may not be the most popular one, but the region of Campania is the home to certain wines you shouldn't let slide. This "happy land" has one of the longest histories of winemaking in Italy. It's also quite unique, given that some of the grape varieties that grow in Campania are very hard to find anywhere else. We can easily say this region is nothing short of legendary - it has even kept the influences of ancient Greeks and Romans. The wide array of grape varieties contributes to the diversity characteristic of Campania. Aglianico is unquestionably one of the most popular varieties, used to make wonderful red wine with high acidity and enjoyable berry flavors. White wines don't fall behind - Fiano is an exquisite variety with touches of pineapple and honey. Other than these grapes, which probably sound familiar to many wine lovers, there are lots of lesser-known varieties that also make captivating wines. Aglianico del Taburno and Greco di Tufo are just some of the names you need to see on the label while pouring yourself a glass of some of the finest Campanian wines.