Drink In Life
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Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo-Rosé Abruzzo Style
With anticipation for the arrival of Spring palpable in the air, I find it fitting to conclude my series on Abruzzo with a wine that straddles the line between rosé and red, Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo. This style of Rosé has the remarkable ability to challenge preconceptions and change the minds of those who have previously claimed not to enjoy Rosé. Unlike typical Rosé wines that may be dismissed for their lack of complexity, Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo pronounced “chair-ahswolo,” offers a different experience altogether.
With its vibrant acidity, subtle fruitiness, and elegant structure, it captivates the palate with layers of flavor and nuance. Its dry profile and distinctive character appeal to a wide range of wine drinkers, even those who typically shy away from pink wines. Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo’s balance, sophistication, and undeniable charm make it a compelling choice that can convert even the staunchest skeptics into avid fans of Rosé.
The charm of Abruzzo and its exceptional rosé offerings left a lasting impression on me, igniting a desire to share my discoveries with fellow wine enthusiasts, so let’s dive in.
Exploring the Rich Heritage of Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo
Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo, crafted from the Montepulciano grape, stands as one of Italy’s most beloved rosé wines. As a DOC-designated wine, Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo can be produced across the provinces of Chieti, L’Aquila, Pescara, and Teramo. Describing Cerasuolo within the context of Abruzzo’s winemaking heritage presents both ease and complexity. It’s effortlessly embraced as the quintessential regional wine, steeped in ancient traditions, often referred to as the “peasant’s wine”, a refreshing companion for laborious summer days. Its historical and social significance is evident, with Abruzzo’s wineries consistently featuring it in their portfolios. Some even elevate its stature by offering multiple variations.
Tracing back the origins of Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo intertwines with the narrative of Montepulciano d’Abruzzo; for decades, they were bundled under the same DOC classification. However, in 2010, Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo earned its distinct recognition as an independent DOC wine. The term “cerasuolo” finds its roots in ancient Greek and Neapolitan dialects, meaning “cherry,” aptly describing both its color and flavor profile. Despite its rosé classification, Cerasuolo differs significantly from typical rosés. It boasts higher alcohol content, elevated acidity, and a robust structure, setting it apart from its counterparts.
The vinification process of Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo reflects its nuanced character. Crafted solely from Montepulciano grapes, it undergoes a “white” vinification method, avoiding prolonged skin contact. Alternatively, winemakers employ techniques like Saignée or Bleeding, where a portion of the must from red wine maceration tanks is vinified to produce rosé. Another traditional method involves “svacata,” where most grapes are vinified as white, with a small portion subjected to extended skin contact before final fermentation.
These methods yield a wine with a vibrant hue, balanced alcohol content, and pronounced acidity, showcasing its inherent gastronomic versatility. While Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo can mature gracefully, it shines brightest in its youthful vigor, offering a unique fusion of delicacy and strength that epitomizes its identity as Cerasuolo, a rosé like no other.
Compared to the prevailing Provençal-style rosés, Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo leans toward the deeper end of the spectrum, occasionally resembling a light red wine. This characteristic depth stems from Montepulciano’s robust skins, rich in anthocyanins, which infuse the wine with both color and character.
The prevalent winemaking technique of short maceration, wherein the grape juice lingers in contact with the skins, imparts additional complexity and depth to the final product.
Regulations stipulate that Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo wines must consist of a minimum of 85% Montepulciano grapes, with allowances for up to 15% other indigenous grape varieties. However, many esteemed producers opt for a 100% Montepulciano composition, showcasing the grape’s intrinsic character. Following harvest, these wines undergo a brief aging period of approximately 2-3 months in the bottle before their release to market, ensuring optimal freshness and flavor.
Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo: Aroma & Taste Insights
With Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo, one is greeted by a radiant cherry-red hue, hinting at the sensory journey to come. Its bouquet is a delightful fusion of red fruits, including cherry, strawberry, and pomegranate, accompanied by subtle citrus notes and elegant floral undertones. Upon the palate, a pleasing roundness unfolds, characterized by a finely tuned balance of softness, lively acidity, gentle tannins, and mineral nuances, culminating in a lingering finish.
This medium-bodied wine exudes intensity and persistence, often revealing an intriguing almond-flavored finale that adds depth to its dry, soft, and harmonious profile. With alcohol content ranging from 13% to 14%, depending on the vintage, it promises a gratifying experience for discerning palates.
The adaptability of Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo extends beyond its flavor profile to its serving temperature, offering a personalized journey for each enthusiast. While some prefer the refreshing qualities accentuated by chilling, others opt for a warmer serving temperature to unlock its nuanced aromas and flavors fully. This versatility ensures that every sip is tailored to individual preferences, with the recommended serving temperature falling between 45-50 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal enjoyment.
Contrary to preconceived notions of rosé as a seasonal indulgence, Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo transcends such boundaries, offering a year-round delight. Reflecting the authenticity and character of its region, this wine exudes depth and complexity, leaving an enduring impression on the senses. Moreover, its remarkable versatility makes it a perfect companion for a wide array of dishes, particularly local Abruzzo cuisine, further enhancing its appeal as a gastronomic delight.
Exploring Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo with Abruzzese Cuisine
Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo seamlessly integrates into the region’s culinary tapestry, enhancing the flavors of a diverse array of dishes. Its versatility shines whether as a standalone aperitif or alongside hearty meals, showcasing its ability to complement various cuisines.
From refreshing salads to seafood delicacies, its bright acidity and balanced profile make it a perfect companion for gatherings and outdoor dining, underscoring the culinary prowess of Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo.
When paired with antipasti featuring local cheeses, cured meats, and marinated vegetables, Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo offers a refreshing contrast, cleansing the palate with its lively acidity and vibrant fruit notes. It elevates creamy burrata and sun-ripened tomato bruschetta, accentuating the freshness of each ingredient.
Transitioning to main courses, the wine enhances delicate white meats such as roast chicken or grilled veal scaloppini with its subtle tannins and bright acidity, creating harmony with every bite.
In Abruzzo’s seafood specialties like “arrosticini” lamb skewers or fresh gnocchi with a pork ragu sauce, Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo finds natural companions.
Its vibrant fruit notes and subtle earthiness elevate these dishes, whether enjoyed as street food or part of a lavish feast. This versatile rosé encapsulates the essence of Abruzzese cuisine, offering a memorable dining experience that transcends traditional wine pairings and invites exploration of the region’s flavors.
Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo Deserves a Spot on Your Wine List
This style of wine has remained somewhat under the radar in the United States, but in recent years, they’ve experienced a surge in popularity thanks to heightened quality and increased exposure. The allure of Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo wines is undeniable, captivating the attention of wine enthusiasts with their vibrant pigmentation that immediately piques curiosity.
Additionally, Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo wines often boast friendly price points, making them accessible to a wide range of wine enthusiasts. Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or an adventurous newcomer, you’ll find that these wines offer exceptional value without compromising on quality.
Now is the perfect moment to explore these refreshing wines in anticipation of the blossoming season ahead.
If you’re considering delving into the world of Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo wines, there are several compelling reasons to take the plunge. Here, I’ll share a few standout wines discovered in Abruzzo, reflecting the region’s rich vinicultural heritage and offering a glimpse into its diverse offerings.
Ausonia
Ausonia Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo Apollo, a biodynamic rosé crafted from Montepulciano grapes in the DOC Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo, embodies the essence of Abruzzo’s natural beauty. Simoni Binelli and his wife Francesca established Ausonia in 2008, leaving behind pharmacy careers to pursue winemaking in Atri, Teramo. Their hands-on approach yields magnetic wines, reflecting the region and vintage faithfully. Cultivated on clay and calcareous soils, native Montepulciano vines are tended with utmost care following biodynamic and ecological principles. Hand-harvested at optimal ripeness, the grapes undergo a 10-day maceration with skins, fermentation with native yeasts in stainless steel tanks, and bottling without filtration or clarification.
Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo Apollo captivates with its fruit-forward aromas of red currant, raspberry, subtle fennel and floral notes. Its full-bodied, fleshy palate is well-structured and rounded, a testament to Ausonia’s commitment to exceptional winemaking.
Orlandi Contucci Ponno
Contucci Ponno Vermiglio, a 2022 Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo DOC Superiore, is a lively and youthful wine boasting a fruity profile and a vibrant “Vermilion” hue. Its aromatic bouquet evokes the image of hand picking strawberry on a warm summer morning, while each sip transports you to a fragrant summer soirée, dancing until the sun goes down. With its notable structure, this wine is particularly enjoyable during warm weather when served chilled, making it a versatile choice for both aperitifs and accompanying meals.
During a delightful lunch at Orlandi Contucci Ponno, we savored this captivating wine alongside a delightful trio of Polenta, Fried Cheese, and Potato Croquette, a perfect complement to its charm.
Stay tuned for more insights on Orlandi Contucci Ponno an upcoming article.
Pietrantonj
Just as an Orange Wine defies categorization as solely a white wine due to its production from white grape varieties, Cerasuolo transcends mere rosé classification. It stands as a distinct entity, offering a spectrum of colors, qualities, and styles. Antica Casa Vitivinicola Pietrantonj exemplifies this with their exquisite Cerasuolo Superiore “Cerano,” crafted from the finest grapes of their premier vineyards.
This wine presents a rich tapestry of flavors, including notes of strawberry, wild cherry, and red berries, intertwined with hints of sour cherry jam and delicate rose petals. On the palate, it captivates with its velvety texture, rounded character, and a lingering progression, culminating in a characteristic almond finish. This Cerasuolo Superiore offers a clean, dry palate with a subtle touch of tannin.
Fontefico
Fontefico, founded in 1996 by brothers Nicola and Emanuele Altieri, sprawls across fifteen hectares, offering breathtaking views of the Trabocchi Gulf in Vasto. Committed to preserving the pristine terroir of the region, the brothers dedicated a decade to experimentation, both in the vineyard and cellar, seeking to articulate the essence of their cherished coastal landscape. They established three fundamental principles: organic farming practices, meticulous hand-harvesting, and crafting each wine from a single vineyard cru, harnessing the unique qualities of the soil.
Fontefico’s Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo exudes brightness and earthiness, with notes of wild cherry, cranberry, hints of balsamic, and the evocative essence of damp forest moss and trees, evolving into delicate tones of licorice and a unique minerality. This intense and intricate wine exhibits remarkable tension and texture, making it a versatile and sophisticated choice for any dinner table. Serving as a bridge between different palates and cuisines, this wine can be enjoyed chilled during summer gatherings with burgers or lightly cooled in winter months alongside hearty soups and stews. Its versatility makes it a secret weapon for accommodating diverse tastes, ensuring satisfaction amidst a multitude of preferences.
I hope you enjoyed this series on Abruzzo, with its amazing selection of wines, delectable local cuisine, and of course the enchanting beauty of the region. In the coming months, I will be putting a spotlight on a couple of the wineries that you should add to your itinerary when visiting Abruzzo.
Until then, Cheers and thank you for reading.
All images and content © copyrighted by Drink In Nature Photography and Drink In Life Blog.
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Welcome to Drink In Life! I’m Elaine—a writer, wine expert, photographer, and lifelong collector of moments that deserve to be remembered. This space began as a place to share the beauty I found in a vineyard’s quiet morning light, the rhythm of travel, and the way a glass of wine can hold history, place, and emotion all at once. Whether you’re here for the wine, the words, or something in between, I’m glad you found your way. The stories are just getting started.
WSET Level 3 with Merit
American Wine Expert
Oregon Wine Expert-Napa Valley Wine Academy
Member of
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