Starting with the 2020 vintage, head winemaker Chiara De Iulis Pepe is focusing on two single vineyards of their oldest plots: Casa Pepe and Branella. After some serious geological and viticultural study, she realized that the sites were exceptional and different enough to warrant their own bottlings, and she has gone deep on exploring their unique characteristics. The 'Branella' vineyard has varied soil types throughout, most notably (and in contrast to the classic Abruzzo blue clay-marl) a distinctly sandy zone; the sandier soil gives the wines more agility, a quicker rhythm, tannins that are fine and tight. Key words are dynamic, high-toned, and vibrant. Dusty and floral, the 2020 Branella slowly blossoms with a beguiling mix of crushed ashen stones, incense, and dried roses lifted by a mentholated freshness. This is pure class: silky smooth and deeply expressive with violet-laced red fruits, cranberry-like bitterness, and a chalky concentration that slowly coats the palate. While structured and tense, it is already so appealing.