L’Arco Antico
The Land
Isernia, where L’Arco Antico is located, is the most inland area of Molise and it was an important religious center in medieval times (St.Vincenzo al Volturno was probably the most famous monastery at the time in all Europe). Molise is second smallest region in Italy, the youngest (recognised in the ’80s) and the least densely populated. So untouched is Molise that UNESCO has chosen it for two of its four Italian biosphere locations.
The People
L’Arco Antico (translated “The Ancient Arch”) farm was founded in 1865 when a local family took over the land that once belonged to the nearby monastery (current owner Alessandro Melone still complains that every time they start digging for whatever reason they find historical remains…) with the first vineyard planted in 1890. Alessandro is an agronomist that decided his land was going to produce wines of the highest quality from the original grapes of the area.
The Wines
Falanghina “Grotta”: Lovely mineral aromas of peach, cedar and tropical fruit, leading to a herbaceous palate with notes of honeydew and lemon peel. Fantastic length and weight.
Montepulciano “Arcus”: hand-picked Montepulciano grapes are vinified in steel and aged in bottle for 6 months. The wine is smooth and bright, with enticing notes of dark fruits and sweet cherry finished by a juicy acidity.
Montepulciano “Don Anton”: a selection of well-ripen Montepulciano grapes vinified in steel and bottle-aged for 1 year. Good body, well balanced, nice supple tannins and persistent finish.
Montepulciano Barrique “Ferraro”: natural, unfiltered wine (no winemaker intervention in the whole process); this blend of Montepulciano and Aglianico (80/20) is aged for at least 12 months in oak barriques followed by 48 months in bottle. Powerful, tannic and with great balance; lovely structure and flavours that defy the price tag.
Tintilia DOC Isernia “Vinea Benedictina” : (translated “Benedictine Vineyard”). Made from the oldest vineyards in the farm, this 100% Tintilia is aged for at least 12 months in oak barriques; followed by 24 months in bottle. As the vines produce tiny bunches the wine is naturally more concentrated (‘Amarone-style’); current production is between 1000-1200 bottles per year. Amazing concentration of flavours with a lenghty finish.
Winner of 4Viti in “Vitae” Associazione Italiana Sommelier
