Founded in 1899, the Pepe family estate spent a significant portion of its history cultivating large crops of grapes to sell to a nearby co-op. It wasn’t until 1964 that Emidio Pepe made the decision to start making their own wines because the quality of their grapes was too good to throw away. This was restricted to one hectare of vines back then. It is currently about 17 hectares in size.
Emidio Pepe Winery – A Legacy of Passion and Tradition
In the heart of Italy’s picturesque Abruzzo region lies a winery that transcends time, weaving together tradition, passion, and a commitment to quality winemaking. Emidio Pepe Winery, standing as a testament to the dedication of the Pepe family, has carved a niche for itself in the world of Italian wines. Let’s embark on a journey through the rich history of this iconic winery and explore the diverse grape varieties and exquisite wines it has brought to life.
Emidio Peper
Contrada Chiesi | 10, 64010 Torano nuovo TE | +39 0861 856493
www.emidiopepe.com | Google Maps
The Beginnings
The story of Emidio Pepe Winery dates back to the mid-20th century when Emidio Pepe, a visionary and a man deeply connected to the land, decided to turn his love for winemaking into a lifelong pursuit. In 1964, Emidio, along with his wife Rosa, established the winery in the small village of Torano Nuovo. Little did they know that this humble beginning would evolve into a legacy celebrated by wine enthusiasts worldwide.
Philosophy and Winemaking Practices
Central to the success of Emidio Pepe Winery is its unwavering commitment to organic and biodynamic farming. Emidio and Rosa embraced these practices early on, recognising the importance of preserving the land for future generations. The vineyards, carefully tended without the use of synthetic chemicals, have become the cradle of exceptional grapes that form the foundation of Emidio Pepe’s renowned wines.
Grape Varieties
The winery boasts a diverse range of grape varieties, each meticulously cultivated to express the unique terroir of Abruzzo. The indigenous grape varieties play a starring role in Emidio Pepe’s portfolio, with Montepulciano d’Abruzzo and Trebbiano d’Abruzzo leading the way.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo: The Heartbeat of Emidio Pepe
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, the red grape variety that thrives in the region’s favourable climate, is the cornerstone of Emidio Pepe’s winemaking legacy. The winery’s commitment to traditional winemaking techniques allows the true character of this grape to shine. The resulting Montepulciano d’Abruzzo wines are robust, full-bodied, and age-worthy, reflecting the essence of the land that cradles the vineyards.
Emidio Pepe’s Montepulciano d’Abruzzo is a testament to the power of simplicity. The grapes are hand-harvested at optimal ripeness, and fermentation occurs naturally with the indigenous yeasts present on the grape skins. The wine then matures in large, neutral oak barrels, allowing the flavours to develop gracefully over time. The result is a wine that captures the spirit of Abruzzo, with bold dark fruit flavours, earthy undertones, and a structure that promises longevity.
Trebbiano d’Abruzzo: A White Elegance
Trebbiano d’Abruzzo, the white grape variety cultivated by Emidio Pepe, adds a touch of elegance to the winery’s portfolio. Emidio and Rosa Pepe understood the potential of this grape and its ability to produce wines of finesse and character. The Trebbiano d’Abruzzo wines from Emidio Pepe are a departure from the ordinary, showcasing the grape’s inherent qualities through careful craftsmanship.
The winemaking process for Trebbiano d’Abruzzo follows the same principles of natural fermentation and ageing in large wooden barrels. The result is a white wine that is both vibrant and complex, with citrus and floral notes dancing on the palate. Emidio Pepe’s Trebbiano d’Abruzzo is a refreshing expression of the region’s terroir, a testament to the family’s dedication to preserving the authenticity of Abruzzo’s winemaking heritage.
Beyond Montepulciano and Trebbiano
While Montepulciano d’Abruzzo and Trebbiano d’Abruzzo take centre stage, Emidio Pepe Winery also explores other grape varieties, albeit on a smaller scale. Sangiovese and Pecorino make cameo appearances in the winery’s lineup, adding diversity to an already impressive collection of wines. Each grape variety is treated with the same reverence, allowing Emidio Pepe to create a mosaic of flavours that reflects the richness of Abruzzo’s viticultural tapestry.
The Evolution of the Portfolio
Over the decades, Emidio Pepe Winery has continued to evolve, introducing new elements to its portfolio while staying true to its core values. The commitment to organic and biodynamic farming, coupled with a hands-on approach to winemaking, has remained constant. Emidio Pepe wines have become a symbol of authenticity and craftsmanship, capturing the essence of Abruzzo in every bottle.
Emidio Pepe Winery – A Journey Through the Cellar
Emidio Pepe Winery’s cellar is a sanctuary where time seems to stand still. The traditional methods employed in winemaking extend to the cellar, where large, neutral oak barrels cradle the wines during the ageing process. The decision to use old barrels allows the wines to mature without imparting overt oak flavours, preserving the purity of the grape’s expression.
Age-Worthy Elegance: The Art of Ageing
Emidio Pepe’s commitment to producing age-worthy wines is evident in the cellar’s quiet corners, where bottles patiently wait for their moment to shine. The Montepulciano d’Abruzzo and Trebbiano d’Abruzzo wines, with their inherent structure and balance, gracefully evolve over the years, gaining complexity and depth. The cellar, akin to a library of ageing treasures, houses vintages that tell the story of Emidio Pepe Winery’s journey through time.
The Rarity of Emidio Pepe’s Wines
Emidio Pepe Winery’s limited production adds an air of exclusivity to its wines. The family’s dedication to quality over quantity is reflected in the rarity of certain vintages, making each bottle a coveted gem for collectors and enthusiasts alike. The scarcity of Emidio Pepe wines adds an extra layer of significance to the experience of savouring these exceptional creations.
Emidio Pepe wines stand out not only for their age-worthiness but also for their ability to convey a sense of place. The wines mirror the distinct terroir of Abruzzo, capturing the nuances of the region’s microclimates and soils. The careful stewardship of the land and the use of natural winemaking techniques result in wines that are a true reflection of the Pepe family’s vision.
Emidio Pepe Winery Beyond the Bottle
Beyond the cellar, Emidio Pepe Winery extends its legacy through educational initiatives and events that invite enthusiasts to delve deeper into the world of Abruzzo wines. The family’s commitment to sustainable practices serves as a model for the industry, inspiring a new generation of winemakers to embrace organic and biodynamic farming.
Although Pepe makes his wines now with meticulous attention to detail using organic and biodynamic methods, in the 1960s he first sought to be ahead of the curve by purchasing the newest and most cutting-edge equipment. But he soon understood that to satisfy the needs of a local market that was well-known for its inexpensive, tasteless, and young wines, he would have to continuously upgrade his machines. Rather, he took a risk and created his winemaking philosophy, much to the mockery of other vintners at the time, many of whom were naturally amazed by how quickly farming technology was advancing.
Even though his wines are among the greatest in the area today, his early vintages were not well received, particularly in Italy. He didn’t discover a market until after visiting New York, which served as a precursor to his current global renown.
