P.121 is Tenuta Antonini’s flagship Montepulciano d’Abruzzo from old vineyards in the Ancarano hills. Hand harvested and gently pressed, it ferments in stainless steel at controlled temperature, then rests in medium to high toast French oak tonneaux for 18 months before bottling, followed by further aging in bottle up to 12 months. In the glass it shows an intense ruby color with subtle purple highlights, tending toward garnet with age. Aromas of red fruits lead the nose, with an ethereal lift. The palate is dry, rightly tannic, harmonious and velvety, with a long, savory finish.

Vineyard and making
• Grape: 100 percent Montepulciano
• Appellation: Montepulciano d’Abruzzo DOCG
• Vintage: 2021
• Site: Old vineyards in Ancarano, trained to Guyot
• Soils: Calcareous areas rich in marl and clay at 294 meters elevation, west to south-west exposure
• Planting density: 4,700 vines per hectare
• Vinification: Hand picked, selected, gentle pressing and destemming, fermentation in stainless steel at controlled temperature
• Aging: 18 months in French oak tonneaux, then refinement in bottle up to 12 months
• Alcohol: 14.5 percent
• Format: 750 ml

Tasting profile
Intense ruby with violet hues. Red fruit, floral lift, and sweet spice. Dry and full, polished tannins, velvety texture, balanced and persistent.

Food pairings
Rich ragù pastas, grilled ribeye or lamb, porchetta, aged Pecorino and hard cheeses. Serve at 60 to 64 °F.

Awards and press
2023: Decanter Bronze. Berliner Wine Trophy Gold. Gardini Notes 94. Mundus Vini Gold. Expovina Wine Trophy Silver. National Gold Label Award.
2024: James Suckling 92 points. Best Italian Wines Luca Maroni.
2025: Falstaff Abruzzo Marche Molise Trophy 93 points. Merano Wine Hunter Gold.

Quick take
Structured, elegant Montepulciano from old vines, marrying power with polish and a velvety finish.