Marcantonio Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo DOC 2022

Case of 12 bottles.

Once considered a rustic, thirst-quenching wine, Cerasuolo (pronounced cher-a-swo-lo) is now recognized as serious rosé wine - a primary wine. Cerasuolo has the freshness of a white wine but the depth, tannins, and structure of a red. Lighter bodied, it can be enjoyed slightly chilled (~12º celsius), making it a versatile, food-friendly red wine.

Made from 100% Montepulciano d’Abruzzo grapes, hand-harvested from low-yield vineyards on the family-owned Colle Foresta estate planted 127 metres a.s.l.. The Adriatic Sea is to the east, and the Majella mountain to the west, the soil is calcareous-clay soil, and the grapes fully ripen under the dry sun of the hills.

Following destemming and soft crushing, the grapes are kept chilled for ~24 hours at 6º celsius to draw colour from the skins and preserve the fresh, berry aromatics. A soft pressing follows, and fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled, stainless-steel tanks. The wine is aged in stainless-steel tanks for two months, and rests in bottle for two more months.

Our tasting note: Bright, cherry-red colour, with fresh aromas and flavours of cherry, raspberry, cranberry, and pomegranate with slight notes of almond. Dry, medium-bodied, with fresh fruit acidity, good structure, and a lingering finish.

Food matches: Pair with cured meats, roasted/grilled meats, pizza, hamburgers, vegetarian dishes (fagioli), and medium-age cheeses.  Easy to drink on its own.