Italiano
Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo
Abruzzo is one of the homelands of Italian rosé wines, and its Cerasuolo is characterized by a color that is much brighter than those now fashionable, which are so pale as to appear pearl pink. But color is its signature and its name (Cerasuolo derives from cerasa, cherry), and for that matter the Montepulciano grape from which it is derived is rich in coloring substances.
We are not frightened by the color, so Mediterranean and sunny in its shades. In the last decade we have become accustomed to Provençal-style rosés, with that very pale color that sometimes looks almost like a pinkish-gray. It may be more elegant, but the Italian tradition spoke of quite other shades, and-along with the rosés of Salento-it is precisely the Cerasuoli d'Abruzzo wines that carry on the banner of this homegrown style.
After all, that rich color for a rosé brings with it scents of red fruits, cherry, strawberry and flowers, and a hearty, fresh palate. And these characteristics make it an extremely eclectic wine, an excellent choice to accompany fish dishes with savory condiments, light meat dishes, even Asian cuisine. The important thing, as always, is the quality of what we pour into the glass.
There are many producers offering wines on the market of the highest quality and with a very interesting organoleptic profile. We have chosen four that offer true rosé gems.
Let's start with Masciarelli, since Gianni Masciarelli was one of the leading figures in the launching of quality wines from Abruzzo. His winery in San Martino della Marrucina, in the province of Chieti, has now been in the hands of his wife Marina Cvetic for many years, who has continued the work with rigor and great dedication, joined now by their daughter Miriam Lee. From the more than 320 hectares of vineyards spring true oenological gems, famous all over the world, with a modern style but respectful of origins, varieties and territories. The winery, completely rebuilt more than a decade ago, is among the most functional and efficient on the national scene.
We then move on to Cataldi Madonna, inland in the province of Pescara. Luigi Cataldi Madonna is a baron and professor of philosophy, a cultured and intelligent man, but above all one of the great interpreters of the wines of Abruzzo, and it is no coincidence that true oenological pearls spring from his splendid estate, year after year. He has enhanced the area between Capestrano and Ofena, between the provinces of L'Aquila and Pescara, which benefits from incredible temperature ranges between night and day. He has restored dignity to wines that rarely rise to such lofty levels of quality as his. At his side is his daughter Giulia, as determined and passionate as he is.
Let us then move toward the coast, halfway between mountains and sea, to Loreto Aprutino, to the Torre dei Beati estate. A precious address this one from Adriana and Fausto Albanesi. Passionate and very good winemakers, they are really anti-heroes, beautiful and kind people, measured and with the humility of good people. They marvel if you say theirs are fantastic wines, which is very true moreover. The result of real passion and hard work, done out of consistency and love of what you do.
Let us conclude by moving to the province of Teramo, to Notaresco, in Val Vomano, a stone's throw from Roseto and the beaches of the Adriatic Riviera, but with Gran Sasso right behind its back. Alessandro and Elena Nicodemi, Roman by birth but with Abruzzese origins, who have been successfully running the family winery for several years now. A land of great reds with an imposing stride and impenetrable colors, home of great Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Colline Teramane.
From these four producers we have selected some excellent Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo 2022, on the shelf within 15 euros. Click on the name to open the wine sheet and thus learn about the score, price and description:
