A Journey Through Abruzzo’s Wine Legends: Valentini and Emidio Pepe
Abruzzo, a region of rugged mountains, rolling vineyards, and a rich winemaking heritage, is home to some of Italy’s most iconic wines. For wine enthusiasts and professionals planning a trip to this enchanting region, two names stand out: Valentini and Emidio Pepe. These wineries represent the pinnacle of Abruzzo’s winemaking tradition, each with its own unique story and approach to crafting exceptional wines.
At Experience BellaVita, we specialize in creating tailor-made wine experiences that go beyond the ordinary. Whether you’re a seasoned wine professional or a passionate enthusiast, we offer exclusive opportunities to explore the wines of Valentini and Emidio Pepe, alongside other hidden gems of Abruzzo. But first, let’s dig deeper into these two legends of Abruzzo winemaking.
Valentini: The Elusive Masterpiece
The Valentini winery is located in the picturesque town of Loreto Aprutino, in the province of Pescara. This area lies in a unique sweet spot between the Majella and Gran Sasso mountains, cradled by the Adriatic breeze. This geographical advantage provides excellent ventilation and a notable temperature drop, creating ideal conditions for viticulture. The combination of altitude, cool nights, and maritime influence allows the grapes to develop exceptional balance and complexity.
A Legacy from Loreto Aprutino
Founded in 1650, the Valentini winery is one of the most ancient in Italy, with a history spanning over three centuries. The estate comprises approximately 65 hectares of vineyards, yet they produce only 50,000 bottles annually, a testament to their commitment to quality. In addition to their vineyards, the Valentini family also tends to many more hectares of olive trees, which are just as important to them as their wine. The production of olive oil is deeply intertwined with their winemaking heritage, reflecting their holistic approach to agriculture and their respect for the land.
Interestingly, the Montepulciano d’Abruzzo has not been bottled in recent years due to the Valentini family’s rigorous standards. They are known for their almost manic pursuit of perfection, and if the wine does not meet their exacting criteria, it is not released. This uncompromising approach has also led them to document the effects of climate change on their vineyards, which they have been observing and reporting for many years.
Today, the winery is run by Francesco Paolo Valentini, Edoardo’s son, alongside his wife Elena and their son Gabriele. Together, they continue the family tradition with the same dedication to excellence, producing limited quantities of Trebbiano d’Abruzzo, Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, and Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo. Valentini’s wines are celebrated for their complexity, depth, and aging potential, with the Trebbiano often hailed as one of Italy’s greatest white wines.
Visiting the Valentini Winery
Valentini is famously private. The winery does not offer visits, tastings, or direct sales, making their wines highly sought after and somewhat elusive. This is where Experience BellaVita comes in. Through our deep connections and access to rare bottles, we can arrange offsite guided tastings of Valentini wines, led by a seasoned expert who will share exclusive insights into these iconic wines. It’s an opportunity to experience the magic of Valentini in a way that few others can.
Emidio Pepe: Tradition Meets Innovation
The story of Emidio Pepe is one of passion, vision, and an unwavering commitment to quality. In the 1960s, when many winemakers in Abruzzo were focused on mass production, Emidio Pepe dared to dream differently. He believed in the potential of Abruzzo’s native grapes—Montepulciano d’Abruzzo and Trebbiano d’Abruzzo—and dedicated himself to crafting wines that expressed the true character of the land.
A Visionary’s Journey
Emidio was a true pioneer, not only in his winemaking philosophy but also in his efforts to bring Abruzzo’s wines to the world. At a time when Abruzzo was virtually unknown in the global wine scene, Emidio traveled to the United States with little more than his passion and determination. Despite not speaking English, he personally promoted his wines to restaurateurs, introducing them to the unique flavors of Abruzzo. His perseverance laid the foundation for what would become one of Italy’s most respected wineries.
A Family Legacy
Today, the Emidio Pepe winery is located in the Torano Nuovo hills of Teramo, an area known for its clay-rich soils and ideal microclimate. The estate is a true family affair, with Emidio’s wife Rosa and their daughters Sofia and Daniela and the next generation, including Sofia and Daniela’s children Chiara, Elisa leading the way ensuring that the family’s legacy continues to thrive.
The Pepe family’s commitment to tradition and innovation is evident in every aspect of their winemaking. They practice biodynamic farming, hand-harvest their grapes, and use traditional methods like foot-treading to ensure the utmost care and respect for the fruit. The wines are aged in concrete tanks and bottled without filtration, allowing them to develop naturally over time. This approach results in wines of extraordinary depth, structure, and aging potential.
Visiting Emidio Pepe
Emidio Pepe welcomes visitors to their estate, offering wine tastings, a farm stay, and a restaurant experience. While you can certainly visit independently, we at Experience BellaVita can complement your experience with a 360-degree tailor-made service. This includes transportation, touring of the area, visits to off-the-beaten-path wineries, and exclusive private tastings of rare bottles from our personal cellar or trusted colleagues. It’s a chance to dive deeper into Abruzzo’s wine culture and create a truly personalized journey.
Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo: A Hidden Gem
Both Valentini and Emidio Pepe produce exceptional Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo, a rosé wine made from Montepulciano grapes. This wine is a true expression of Abruzzo’s terroir, with its vibrant cherry color, fresh acidity, and notes of red berries and herbs. While often overlooked in favor of red and white wines, Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo is a hidden gem that deserves attention. At Experience BellaVita, we can include tastings of this unique wine in your itinerary, showcasing the diversity of Abruzzo’s winemaking tradition.
Your Abruzzo Wine Experience, Tailored to You
At Experience BellaVita, we believe that every wine journey should be as unique as the person embarking on it. Here are some of the ways we can craft your perfect Abruzzo wine experience:
- Guided Tasting with a Wine Expert
Dive into the world of Valentini and Emidio Pepe with a guided tasting led by a seasoned local expert. We’ll share exclusive insights into these iconic wines, paired with carefully selected nibbles to enhance the experience. - Guided Tasting with Food Pairing
Elevate your tasting with a pairing of traditional Abruzzese dishes at a local restaurant, trattoria, or farm-to-table venue. Celebrate the culinary heritage of Abruzzo while savoring its finest wines. - Rare Bottle Experiences
Through our personal cellar and network of trusted colleagues, we have access to rare and sought-after bottles. Whether it’s a specific vintage or a hidden gem, we’ll ensure your tasting is truly special. - Beyond Valentini and Emidio Pepe
Abruzzo is home to a wealth of autochthonous grape varieties like Pecorino, Montonico, Cococciola or Passerina. We can organize tastings of these wines, introducing you to the region’s lesser-known treasures.
Why Choose Experience BellaVita?
- Local Expertise: We live and breathe Abruzzo 360 days a year. Our deep-rooted connections in the community give you insider access to the region’s best wines and hidden gems.
- Tailor-Made Tours: As the only company in Abruzzo specializing in tailor-made travel services, we create a 360 journey that align with your interests and goals.
- Authenticity: We introduce you to the people and places that define Abruzzo’s culture and heritage, ensuring a genuine and unforgettable experience.
Our Philosophy: Passion, Respect, and Quality
At Experience BellaVita, we are deeply passionate about wine, but we also understand and respect the hard work, dedication, and artistry that go into every bottle. As someone who has revived an ancient vineyard in Abruzzo and crafts wine for friends and family, I, Marino founder of Experience BellaVita, have a firsthand appreciation for the challenges and joys of winemaking. This personal connection to the land and the craft allows us to approach every tour with a profound respect for the winemakers we work with.
We collaborate closely with winemakers across Abruzzo, building relationships based on mutual respect and a shared love for the region’s winemaking traditions. In every tour, we prioritize quality over quantity, carefully selecting unique bottles and experiences that reflect the best of Abruzzo. We never compromise on quality or price, ensuring that every tasting is as exceptional as the wines themselves. For us, wine is not just a profession—it’s a way of life, and we are honored to share this passion with our guests.
Let’s Craft Your Dream Wine Journey
Whether you’re dreaming of a tasting of Valentini’s legendary Trebbiano, a stay at Emidio Pepe’s farm, or an exploration of Abruzzo’s autochthonous varieties, Experience BellaVita is here to make it happen. Tell us your dream, and we’ll do our best to accommodate you.
Abruzzo is waiting to share its stories, its flavors, and its wines with you. Let’s raise a glass to an unforgettable journey!
Thanks for reading,
Marino Cardelli