Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo is one of the most prestigious and appreciated types of rosé wine, produced from the Montepulciano black grape variety. Its history often overlaps with that of Montepulciano d'Abruzzo and only the methods of production differentiate them. In fact, Cerasuolo is obtained from the white vinification of red grapes with more or less lengthy macerations that give it different tones and aromas. Its success is linked to historic names such as Emidio Pepe and Valentini, who discovered its fine qualities after long ageing in the bottle. In fact, it is one of the most durable rosés in the world because it contains a large number of antioxidants that allow it to reach its full potential after a long period. Alongside these complex and intense versions, there are also numerous simpler and more direct variants, characterised by a mouth-watering cherry note and an overwhelming and inviting freshness that accompanies the taste and makes it unique and unparalleled.
Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo is one of the most prestigious and appreciated types of rosé wine, produced from the Montepulciano black grape variety. Its history often overlaps with that of Montepulciano d'Abruzzo and only the methods of production differentiate them. In fact, Cerasuolo is obtained from the white vinification of red grapes with more or less lengthy macerations that give it different tones and aromas. Its success is linked to historic names such as Emidio Pepe and Valentini, who discovered its fine qualities after long ageing in the bottle. In fact, it is one of the most durable rosés in the world because it contains a large number of antioxidants that allow it to reach its full potential after a long period. Alongside these complex and intense versions, there are also numerous simpler and more direct variants, characterised by a mouth-watering cherry note and an overwhelming and inviting freshness that accompanies the taste and makes it unique and unparalleled.
Talking about the origins of Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo wine is a difficult and very arduous undertaking because its history often overlaps with that of Montepulciano d'Abruzzo, with which it shares the blend but not the oenological practices.
For more than 40 years both were united by a single specification, indeed one could almost say that rosé was a variant of red and was often produced as a base wine by wineries. It was only from the 2010-2011 harvest that the tables began to turn and rosé was recognised as a specific DOC. This launched the success of a label that had always been underestimated and given little consideration. Its revenge and rise began, the international world began to praise its characteristics and particularly appreciate its fine qualities. It thus gains more and more prestige, becoming one of the most appreciated rosé wines in the world.
Counted among the most mountainous regions of Italy, Abruzzo has a vast portion facing the coast. The Apennines and the Adriatic enclose a wild, extreme and rich land, which in the intermediate belt is carpeted by gentle hills influenced by the sea and the mountains. Such a varied puzzle of climates gives rise to very different expressions. This explains how Abruzzo's wine production is particularly varied. In the shadow of the Apennine massifs, vine-growing areas are more extreme, with colder temperatures. Here, rarer, cooler, more delicate products with a northern profile originate. Moving a few kilometres further on, one reaches the sea, where more Mediterranean, warm and powerful interpretations are born. The balance of these two components can be found in the hilly strip, a typical place for the production of Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo wines and an area where the region's most famous wineries are located.
The production of Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo DOC wine 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 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 guise, it is aged in steel only to best express all its simplicity and fruit fragrance: an example is provided by the famous Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo Cataldi Madonna, a benchmark of the type. It normally presents a luminous, light pink hue with dazzling reflections. It exhibits a vinous and fragrant bouquet, marked by notes of small red berries, over which that unmistakable note of cherry dominates, accompanied by hints of strawberry, raspberry and currant with light floral touches. A September walk in the woods. The sip is slender, pulpy, fresh and savoury, of admirable persistence and great pleasantness. It holds all the cards to be able to mature over time and give its best after several years. In addition, laboratory studies have demonstrated the existence of a high concentration of antioxidant substances within the grapes that allow these wines to have longevity and the capacity to mature over time.
The more complex and intense wood-aged versions of Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo show 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 Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo is a concrete example of this and ranks among the most important and prestigious rosés in Italy.
The most traditional pairings of Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo are based on local tradition. It is a rosé wine for the whole meal as far as the world of fish is concerned, in fact it goes perfectly with hors d'oeuvres, first and second courses and fried blue fish, but also with shellfish, molluscs and seafood. For regional pairings, we recommend opening a bottle with:
On Callmewine you can find Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo on sale online at the best price, an expression of taste ideal for creating the best combinations with traditional regional cuisine. You can find the biggest and most timeless names on the Abruzzo wine scene or discover small artisan wineries. Choose the one that best suits your needs and buy it now. The price of Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo obviously varies according to the type: on Callmewine you will find even the most renowned producers at prices not exceeding 70€. Discover Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo online, compare the various bottles and receive them comfortably at home.