Il Faggio is made for Liberty Wines by Matt Thomson’s colleague Alana McGettigan at one of the region’s best co-operatives in northern Abruzzo. The aim is to capture in the bottle the power and intensity of the Montepulciano grape, together with a lift and freshness that is seldom found in wines from this area. The name ‘Il Faggio’ derives from the fabulous beech trees that proliferate in this area, especially in the Abruzzo national park. The Montepulciano has lifted perfumes and is soft and supple with a delicious chocolate-cherry finish. Budburst occurred at the normal time this year, supported by warm temperatures and adequate rainfall. Hot and relatively dry weather through the ripening phases has yielded healthy fruit. This wine is deep ruby red in colour, with lifted notes of dark fruits, plums and cherries with a hint of mocha. It has soft, ripe tannins and a delicious chocolate-cherry finish.