2017 Kurni

Marco Casolanetti of Oasi degli Angeli continues to test the boundaries of what’s possible with Montepulciano. However, whether you appreciate the style or not is up to the individual taster. The estate is located in the south of Le Marche, near the coast, within the Rosso Piceno growing area. Marco Casolanetti represents the fifth generation to farm the family's seventeen hectares of vines, which are planted at extremely high density and turn out very low yields of highly concentrated fruit. Vineyard work and winemaking is natural, yet not following any labels of organic or bio. In the winery, the grapes are air-dried and then go through a process of barrel aging that includes two passes in 100% new French barriques that lasts for anywhere between 24 to 30 months. While I wouldn’t put the Kurni at Amarone levels of concentration, it’s certainly close; but the balance and savoriness found within is otherworldly. It’s an experience-wine to say the least.