Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo

Once Upon a Time There Was Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo

Understanding the origins of Cerasuolo Abruzzo is a difficult and arduous task because its history often overlaps with that of Montepulciano, with whom it shares the same grape but not the same winemaking techniques. For more than 40 years, both were united by a single disciplinary, and it could almost be said that rosé was a variety of red wine, and was often made as a base wine by producers. It was only from the 2010-2011 harvest that the tables began to turn and rosé was given a specific DOC designation. This launched the success of a wine variety that had always been underestimated and given little consideration. Its recovery and rise started, with the international world praising its characteristics and appreciating its fine qualities. As a result, it became more and more prestigious, becoming one of the most appreciated rosé wines in the world.

The Rich and Generous Land of Abruzzo

Ranked among the most mountainous in Italy, this region also includes a vast coastal area. The Apennines and the Adriatic enclose a wild, extreme and rich land, which in the middle is covered by gentle hills that are influenced by the sea and the mountains. Such a varied patchwork of climates results in very different styles of wine. This explains why Abruzzo's production is particularly varied. In the shadow of the Apennine mountains, the vine-growing areas are more extreme, with colder temperatures. This is where rarer, fresher, more delicate products with a northern profile originate. A few kilometres further on is the sea, where more Mediterranean, warm and powerful interpretations are produced. The perfect balance of these two components can be found in the hills, which are the typical production site for Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo wines and where the most famous wineries in the region are located.

Specifications, Characteristics and Pairings

The production of this controlled designation of origin is limited to the provinces of Chieti, L'Aquila, Pescara and Teramo. For this type of rosé, the regulations require the use of at least 85% of Montepulciano red grapes, with the possibility of adding other non-aromatic red grapes grown within the region. It can be vinified in white or with a short maceration on the skins of a few hours. It is one of the only grapes for which maceration is not essential to obtain a rosé must.

In its most classic version, it is aged in steel only to best express all its simplicity and fragrance of fruit: an excellent example is the famous Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo Cataldi Madonna, a reference point of the type. Normally, it has a luminous pinkish tonality with little charge and dazzling reflections. It displays a vinous and fragrant bouquet, distinguished by notes of small red berries, in particular the unique scent of cherries, accompanied by hints of strawberries, raspberries and currants with light floral touches. It is like taking a September walk in the woods. The taste is lean, pulpy, fresh and savoury, of admirable persistence and great pleasure. It has all the right qualities to mature over time and give its best after several years. In addition, studies in the laboratory have shown the existence of a high concentration of antioxidant substances in the grapes, which allow these wines to have longevity and ability to mature over time.

The more complex and intense versions, aged in wood, display the characteristics of a red wine. The colour becomes more concentrated, similar to ginger, and the olfactory range evolves towards aromas of spices and undergrowth. The taste becomes rounder, warmer and more elegant. Valentini's version is a concrete example of this and ranks among the most important and prestigious rosés in Italy.

The most traditional food pairings for Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo are based on the local tradition. It is a rosé wine for the whole meal, as far as the world of fish is concerned, and goes perfectly with hors d'oeuvres, first and second courses and fried blue fish, but also with crustaceans, molluscs and other shellfish. For regional pairings, we recommend opening a bottle with a brodetto alla pescarese (fish soup), mussels alla vastese (mussels from Vasto), raw squid, spaghetti alla chitarra with Adriatic fish sauce and Scapece (based on halibut or ray).

On Callmewine you can find Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo wine for sale online at the best prices. It is the ideal example of taste, perfect for creating the best pairings with traditional regional cuisine. Choose the one that best suits your needs and purchase it now!