Valentini Trebbiano d Abruzzo 2021

Valentini is one of Italy’s most legendary and uncompromising estates, located in Loreto Aprutino in the Abruzzo region of central Italy. The Valentini family has farmed here since the seventeenth century, with its modern reputation established under Edoardo Valentini, whose meticulous, low-intervention philosophy elevated Trebbiano d’Abruzzo to world-class status. Today the estate is run by his son Francesco Paolo Valentini, continuing the same traditional methods. The vineyards lie between the Adriatic Sea and the Gran Sasso mountains at around 250-400 metres elevation on clay and limestone rich soils with calcareous components, benefiting from cooling mountain breezes and maritime influence. Farming follows traditional, sustainable practices without chemical intervention, though the estate is not certified organic or biodynamic. The 2021 vintage in Abruzzo was excellent, with balanced conditions producing wines of freshness, structure and aromatic precision.

Valentini Trebbiano d’Abruzzo 2021 is made from 100 per cent Trebbiano Abruzzese, harvested by hand from low yielding vines. Fermentation takes place spontaneously with indigenous yeasts, traditionally in cement or neutral vessels, followed by ageing for approximately 12 months before bottling and further bottle maturation. The wine shows remarkable depth and complexity, with aromas of citrus, white peach, almond, chamomile and subtle mineral and oxidative nuances. The palate is textured and structured, with vibrant acidity and a long, savoury finish. It pairs beautifully with seafood, shellfish, roast chicken, risotto and aged cheeses. While already expressive, the 2021 has the structure to age for decades, developing extraordinary tertiary complexity over time. Antonio Galloni of Vinous awarded Valentini Trebbiano d’Abruzzo 2021 95 points, praising its depth, energy and complexity, describing it as “a remarkably vivid Trebbiano… layered and full of character, with tremendous persistence and ageing potential.”