Wine Along The 101
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    • 2023 Articles >
      • Robert Hall Winery, Evolving Their Wines Toward a Regenerative Future
      • Great Wine Is Headed Your Way, the Spring Portfolio Tasting of Golden State Wine Co Reveals Many Treasures
      • Simply Italian Great Wines US Tour 2022, A Brief Look at the Complex World of Italian Wine
      • A Night of Sicilian Wine, Spotlighting Cambria and Madaudo Wineries
      • Yealands Wines, “Think Boldly, Tread Lightly”, Leading the World Toward Sustainable Winemaking
    • 2022 Articles >
      • Further Defining the Single Vineyard Cru Wines of Barolo and Barbaresco, the Rise of the MGA
      • The Barolo Cru Wines of Beni di Batasiolo
      • Pyros Wines Sparks World-Class Malbec
      • AlloraVino Imports, a Love Affair with Italian Wine
      • Maisons Marques & Domaines Wine Portfolio: Prestige, Glamour and Good Taste for the Holidays
      • The Original Balsamic Vinegar of Modena PGI, a Condiment and a Culture
      • Rocca delle Macìe, Taking Chianti Classico to New Heights
      • Alluring and Iconic, The World of Chianti Wines
      • Paso Robles Weaves a Thrilling Tapestry of World-Class Wine
      • LXV Wines, The Spice of Paso Robles
      • The Mouthwatering Sauvignon Blancs of Chile
      • The Wines of Portugal, Discover a World of Difference
      • Domaines Albert Bichot, An Exceptional Approach to Burgundian Wine
      • The Wines of Abruzzo Undergo a Renaissance of Quality
      • Ketcham Estate, Exceptional Wines From The Heart of the Russian River Valley
      • La Rioja Alta, S.A., Innovation and Tradition That Stands the Test of Time
      • Vega Sicilia Celebrates 40 Years of Winemaking Excellence
      • Planeta of Sicily Embraces the Past While Reaching For the Future
      • The Spirit of Renaissance is Alive and Well in “South of Somewhere”
      • Gambero Rosso Returns to LA, With the Best of Italian Wines
      • Falanghina and Aglianico del Taburno, Sannio's Ancient Wine Stars
      • Tablas Creek Vineyard Embraces Regenerative Organic Farming
    • 2021 Articles >
      • Make Merry With Domaine Bousquet Sparkling Wines
      • Discover These Enchanting Italian Wines, From the Fog of Piedmont to the Island Breezes of Sardinia
      • Rodney Strong Vineyards and Winery, Revitalizing an Iconic Brand
      • Thanksgiving Tips for the Best Wine and Food Pairing
      • Escape to Paso Robles, a Wine Country Oasis
      • Escape to Paso Robles, a Wonderland of Wine
      • Smith-Madrone Wines, a Napa Valley Pioneer Celebrates Fifty Years of Excellence
      • Oregon’s Willamette Valley, the Land of Pinot Noir
      • Irvine & Roberts Vineyards, Exceptional Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from Southern Oregon
      • BARRA of Mendocino Wines, an Original Organic Wine Play
      • The Opulent and Thrilling Wines of Denner Vineyards
      • L’Ecole No. 41, Expressive Wines That Pass the Test of Time With Flying Colors
      • France's Loire Valley, a Fairytale Land of Storybook Castles and Magical Wines
      • Craft Wine, Shining the Spotlight on America’s Small Wine Producers
    • 2020 Articles >
      • Margerum Wine Company, the Nexus of Sublime Santa Barbara County Wines
      • Catena Zapata, Malbec on High
      • Long Meadow Ranch, the Circle of Life in a Glass of Wine
      • Fontanafredda Barolo Forges a New Future
      • Bordeaux Wine 2017, Surprises in a Challenging Vintage
    • 2019 Articles >
      • The Rising Wine Country of Southern Oregon's Rogue Valley
      • Discover Ashland and the Rogue Valley, Southern Oregon's Serenade to the Good Life
      • Napa Valley Grille, New Fall Menu Paired with European Wines
      • Embrace Your Wine Geek with PRIE Winery & Vineyards
      • Castello di Albola, Chianti Classico on High
      • Nicolas-Jay Wines, the Journey of a Lifetime
      • The Expanding Complexity of New Zealand Wine
      • Prosecco DOC, Splendor in the Glass
      • On the Oregon Wine Trail
      • Albariño and Rioja Star in Spain’s Great Match
      • Exciting and Eclectic, the Wines of Alentejo
      • Blaufränkisch Propels the Red Wines of Austria Into the Spotlight
      • Fascinating Greek Wines of the Cava Spiliadis Collection
      • Revolution In Rioja Wine
    • 2018 Articles >
      • Temecula Valley Celebrates 50 Years of Winemaking
      • The Stellar Wines of Sardinia
      • Italian Wines Prescribed by Doctor Wine
      • The Alluring Wines of Tunisia
      • Gambero Rosso’s Top Italian Wines for 2018
      • Velenosi Wines, From Le Marche to the World
      • Sauvignon Blanc, a Rising Star in Napa Valley
      • Frank Family Vineyards Celebrates 25 Years
      • Markus Wine Co., Sleek New Red Wines Up the Ante for Lodi Reds
      • Lodi Wine, Over 100 Varieties Strong
      • Ramona Valley Wine Country, an Up and Coming Wine Region
      • Hertelendy Vineyards, the Pursuit of Excellence
      • Napa Valley Wine, Nirvana in a Bottle
      • Wine Stroll: Explore Downtown Paso Robles Wineries
      • The Beautiful Shades of Lodi Rosé Wines
      • Doubling Down on Gold Medal Wines: The San Francisco International Wine Competition
      • The Exotic Wines of Lebanon
      • Australian Wines, Rediscover the New Frontier
      • New Zealand Wines, Expanding beyond Sauvignon Blanc
      • Visit France in 2018, a Feast of Food, Wine, Culture and History
      • Bordeaux Wine 2015, A Very Good Year
      • Portugal's Treasure Chest of Wines
      • Livermore Valley, California’s Original Wine Country Reborn
      • Concannon and Wente Vineyards, California’s Pioneers of Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay
      • Livermore Valley Wine Country, the Future Looks Bright
    • 2017 Articles >
      • Viña Ardanza Rioja Turns 75, an Enchanting Wine Gets Even Better
      • The VIP Sparkle of Prosecco Superiore
      • Lodi Wine Country, Seriously Good Wine From A to Z
      • Lodi Wine Country, Old Vines and Great Wines
      • Lodi Wine Country, Winegrowers and Winemakers Focused on the Future
      • Lugana White Wine, Better With Age
      • Santa Barbara Winemakers Road Trip to LA
      • Sweetzer Cellars, a Life Changing Journey of Wine
      • Lugana and Valpolicella, the Yin and Yang of the Veneto
      • Three R’s of Summer Wine, Rosé, Riesling, and Ramato
      • Familia Martínez Bujanda, Wines Without Borders
      • Codorníu Cava, the Ars and Anna Collection
      • New and Exciting Wines from the 2017 Santa Barbara Vintners Spring Weekend Celebration
      • Sensual Delights on Display at Savor Italy Los Angeles
      • Pizza and Franco Pepe, Italy’s Best Comes to LA
      • Montes Wines, Wisdom in Wine From Father to Son
      • Passionate Pinot Noir Lovers Unite at the 2017 World of Pinot
      • Vignalta, Wines of the Highest Order
      • Santa Lucia Highlands Sensational Wines
      • Gambero Rosso’s Top Italian Wines for 2017
      • Law Estate Wines: Quality by Design
      • Taittinger and Calvisius: Champagne and Caviar Dreams
      • Riding High on American Rhone Wines, The Rhone Rangers LA Tasting
      • Discover Monterey Wine Country, wine and so much more
      • Wines of Portugal, the Perfect Dinner Companion
      • Gruet's Enchanting Sparkling Wines
    • 2016 Articles >
      • The Art of Italian Living, SoCal Style
      • Wines of Alsace: Perfect for the Holidays
      • Oso Libre Winery; Vines, Wines, and Angus Beef
      • Best Wines for Thanksgiving
      • Simply Italian Great Wines US Tour Sweeps Through Los Angeles
      • Santa Barbara Winemakers Road Trip: Chardonnay
      • Santa Barbara Winemakers Road Trip: Pinot Noir
      • Santa Barbara Winemakers Road Trip: Rhône Varietals
      • Santa Barbara Winemakers Road Trip: Bordeaux Varietals
      • Achaval-Ferrer, Exceptional Wines from Argentina
      • Celebration of Harvest Grand Tasting 2016 Highlights
      • The Celebrity Sparkle of Ferrari Trento Wines
      • Santa Barbara Wine Country’s Celebration of Harvest 2016
      • The Garagiste Festival, Off the Beaten Path Wines
      • Explore SLO Wine Country, Central California’s Hidden Gem
      • Byron Winery, The Grand Pinot Noir Experiment
      • Crocker & Starr Wines, Organically Elegant
      • Escape to Santa Maria Wine Country
      • The Elegant White Wines of Domäne Wachau
      • Champagne Palmer: The New Champagne on the Block
      • Holman Ranch & Vineyards: Making Memories & Wine at Romantic California Hideaway
      • Luminous Wines of France's Loire Valley
    • Examiner.com Articles >
      • Alma Rosa Winery & Vineyards: Wines Without Compromise
      • All Stars of Pinot Noir Rock the 2016 World of Pinot
      • Ampelos Wines' Biodynamic Brilliance
      • Artisan Uprising: Blood Into Wine
      • Bodegas Beronia Rioja: The Magic of Oak
      • Crawford Family Wines: Unlocking Varietal Flavor
      • Dolin Malibu Estate Vineyards' Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs Shine Bright
      • Hahn Family Wines: Santa Lucia Highlands' Sweet Spot
      • Kimmel Vineyards: Good Wine Flows from Challenging Times
      • Larner Vineyard: Sweet Spot for Syrah and Grenache
      • LOCA for Lodi Wine
      • Lompoc Wine Ghetto
      • Sanford Winery & Vineyards, Delicious Wines That Tell a Tale
      • The Diverse and Divine Wines of Santa Barbara County
      • Santa Barbara Urban Wine Trail
      • The Stellar Wines of California's Sta. Rita Hills
      • Skinner Vineyards, Destiny and Determination
      • Wines of Portugal, The Art of the Blend
  • Wine Reviews
    • La Rioja Alta, S.A. Viña Ardanza Reserva 2016, An Elegant Vintage for an Iconic Wine
    • ETTORE Wines from Mendocino, With An Organic Focus
    • Two Excellent Value Broquel Label Wines From Argentina’s Trapiche Winery
    • The Dynamic Lavico Etna Wines of Duca di Salaparuta
    • The Sangiovese Stars of San Felice Wines
    • Lucky Rock Wine Co. 2021 Sauvignon Blanc, in Can and Bottle
    • Coen Malbec Reserve 2019, a New World Wine with Old World Sensibilities
    • Sangre de Toro Rosé, A Light and Bright Summer Thirst Quencher
    • Summer and Sauvignon Blanc, Lucky Rock Wine Co. Style
    • Lucky Rock Wine Co. County Cuvée Pinot Noir 2019
    • Monte Velho, Fascinating Wines and Value-Priced
    • Grassl Glasses Add Depth to Wine Enjoyment
    • Domaine Bousquet Sparkling Rosé Brut Makes Everyday a Holiday
    • Festive Ferrari Trento Sparkling Wines For All Occasions
    • Bodegas CARO, the Best of Both Worlds
    • Kosher Wines For the Jewish High Holidays Are Highly Recommended Anytime of Year
    • Oak Farm Vineyards, a Rainbow of Delicious Lodi Wines
    • Lucky Rock Wine Co. Sauvignon Blanc 2019
    • Ron Rubin Wines, The Dream Series
    • Lucky Rock Wine Co. County Cuvée Pinot Noir 2018
    • Lucky Rock Wine Co. Sauvignon Blanc 2018
    • Crus Bourgeois Bordeaux, Expressive Wines at Everyday Prices
    • Légende Collection of Bordeaux Wines
    • Five Contemporary California Wines To Try
    • Alternative Sparkling Wines For a Celebration
    • A Toast to Prosecco Superiore
    • Celebrate with this Pair of Spanish Red Wines
    • A Quartet of Summer Red Wines
    • Spanish Albariño, a Wine For All Seasons
    • Ciù Ciù Wines, Quality That Shines Through
    • A Trio of Red Wines for Holiday Merrymaking
    • Terre de la Custodia Montefalco Rosso 2012
    • The Sultry Arnaldo Caprai Collepiano Montefalco Sagrantino
    • Pop the Cork on Charles Heidsieck Champagne and Bisol Prosecco
    • Garnacha Wines from DOP Cariñena, Beautiful Bang for the Buck
    • A Pair of Greek Wines for a Spring Feast
    • A Dynamic Duo of Sassy Spanish White Wines
    • Anderra Carménere
    • Artesa Chardonnay/Pinot Noir
    • Avignonesi Grandi Annate
    • Château Saint-Maur Rosé
    • La Miranda de Secastilla, Old Vine Garnacha Gems
    • Intriguing Israeli Wines
    • Leviathan
    • Domaines Paul Mas Wines Trio
    • Nobilo Sauvignon Blanc, intensely refreshing and delicious
    • Perticaia Trebbiano Spoletino
    • Stay Cool With These Two Charming White Wines
  • Events
    • Garagiste Wine Festival: Urban Exposure 2022 Highlights Hidden California Wine Gems
    • Temecula Valley Balloon & Wine Festival 2019
    • World of Pinot Noir 2019, A Magical Mystery Tour
    • Journey to Planet Pinot at the 2018 World of Pinot Noir
    • Great Wines of Italy Comes to LA
    • Wine Along the Beach at Garagiste Wine Festival 2017
    • Santa Barbara Vintners Spring Weekend Celebration 2017
    • Orbit the World of Pinot Noir at the 2017 World of Pinot
    • Rhone Rangers Los Angeles 2016
  • Wine Travel
  • Videos
    • Celebration of Harvest
    • Feliz Noche Wines
    • Terravant Custom Crush
    • Que Syrah, Shiraz!
    • Paso Robles Wine Festival
    • L'Aventure Syrah Harvest
    • Clos Pepe's Prince of Pinot
  • Photos
  • Who We Are
    • About Patricia Decker
    • About Fabian Rodriguez
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Courtesy of Pasetti
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Francavilla vineyard, Courtesy of Cantine Ettore Galasso
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The town of Colonella, Courtesy of Cantina Colonella
Abruzzo will surprise you, with its soaring mountainous landscapes, deep blue sea, and medieval castles and towns atop the jagged foothills.  But this incredibly diverse ecosphere, which is largely protected by national parks and nature reserves, is also home to a rich tapestry of food and wine, something that many aren’t familiar with.  The Consorzio Tutela Vini d’Abruzzo, armed with EU money, intends to change that, shining the spotlight on this unique region, blessed with natural bounty and a viticultural history that dates back to the 6th Century BC.  A promotional campaign, “The Charming Taste of Europe”, introduces Abruzzo to the world stage, increasing the awareness of its decades long evolution from rustic to premium wines.  Abruzzo wineries are repositioning themselves for the future, with a new generation of winemakers focusing on terroir, organic farming and family estates that emphasize quality, which all adds a new layer of complexity to the Abruzzo winescape.
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Pescosansonesco vineyard, Courtesy of Pasetti
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Grapes, Courtesy of Pasetti
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Tratturo Estate, Courtesy of Cantine Marramiero
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Coastal vineyards near City of Sant'angelo, Courtesy of Cantine Ettore Galasso
Abruzzo is located in the geographical center of Italy, about two hours drive east from Rome.  It more closely identifies with Southern Italy in its culture, than to the neighboring Marche and Lazio.  A small, mountainous region hugging the Adriatic Sea, it’s rural at its heart, traditionally the home of farmers, flocks of sheep and the shepherds that take care of them.  Some vineyards occupy a sweet spot, hillsides with a view of the sea in the distance.  There are actually two grape growing areas, an inland mountainous region with a Continental climate, and a hilly coastal region, which has a mild Mediterranean climate.  This interplay of the Appenine Mountains and Adriatic Sea provide breezy ventilation and large diurnal temperature swings, a bonus for wine grapes, with unique micro-climates throughout Abruzzo.  This melange of sea and mountains produces wines with minerality, high acidity, and ripeness.
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Harvest, Courtesy of Cantine Marramiero
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Harvest, Courtesy of Pasetti
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Montepulciano grapes, Courtesy of Cantine Ettore Galasso
Abruzzo is home to unique and indigenous wine grape varietals, the most famous is Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, not to be confused with Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, which is a clone of Sangiovese, and named after a Tuscan town.  Montepulciano d'Abruzzo enchants with its full body, velvety texture, deep dark fruit accented with pepper and herbal notes, and balance of acidity and tannin.  And while the world knows Abruzzo by its Montepulciano DOCG status, there are other wines that are equally fascinating.  Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo, translating to “pale cherry red” is the rosé version of the Montepulciano grape, showcasing structure, intense red fruit, an herbal zing, freshness and vibrant acidity, not the usual light rosé wine.  Recognized with its own DOC since 2010, Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo can allow up to 15% of other local varietals along with the Montepulciano, but in fact many are 100%.  There are many white grape varietals, Trebbiano d’Abruzzo is the most grown, but has distinguished itself in recent years from a bulk neutral wine to one with rich aromas and flavors, body and concentration, and the ability to age.  Other unique varietals to Abruzzo are Passerina, Pecorino, and Cococciola.  And if you’re wondering, Pecorino is the name of the grape, in addition to the cheese, both specialties of Abruzzo, named for the Italian word for sheep, which is “pecora”.  In fact, there is a local legend that states that when shepherds moved their sheep from the mountains to the warmer southern regions in the fall, the sheep snacked on the early-ripening Pecorino grapes along the way, and that the shepherds would reimburse the vineyard owners with wedges of Pecorino cheese.
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Barrel room, Courtesy of Cantine Marramiero
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Steel fermentation tanks, Courtesy of Cantine Marramiero
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The Bio seal on the bottles denotes certified organic wines
Abruzzo was once defined as the “Cellar of Europe”, whose mass produced, cooperative wines were used to “cure the anemia of the wines of the North”, before global warming assured a more consistent climate and riper grapes.  Today, it’s not enough to label Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, wineries are now teasing out the nuances, even if it’s from the DOCG area of Colline Teramane, looking to specific estates for definition.  Even Pecorino is experiencing deeper study, from vineyards to winemaking techniques, illustrating what the region is capable of.  That’s the emphasis on Abruzzo terroir.  Secondly, many Abruzzese families have built their own estate wineries, instead of selling their grapes to co-ops, and with more skin in the game, there is an increased focus on winemaking that yields deluxe, elegant versions of their once rustic and cheerful wines.  And because wineries are building their brand, organic farming is on the rise.  Achieving organic certification is a bonus, but even if the producers haven’t yet obtained the official seal, they are still farming this way, and the wines are better for it, with more distinctive fruit yielding more interesting wines. Together, this renaissance among Abruzzo wine producers, a transition from bulk wine to focused quality, is in a way in its infancy, with the wines displaying more character and native varietal identity.
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Courtesy of Pasetti
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Courtesy of Pasetti
Today, Abruzzo exports 65% of the wines they produce, about 140M bottles of wine from 250 wineries, and the United States is the second largest importer of these wines.  As a consumer, it’s important to note that most Abruzzo wines are varietal-driven, meaning they are rarely blended.  Things to look out for, the Chieti produces the most wines, and the vineyards closer to the coast yield fruitier, lower acid and structured wines, considered more “quaffable” or easy drinking.  Wines from the mountainous, hillside vineyards are more mineral-driven, and have more structure and acid, yielding more elegant, premium wines.
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The Authentic Italian Table was presented by Chef Barbara Pollastrini, IACCW Executive Director Genny Nevoso, and Sommelier Diego Meraviglia
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Consorzio Executive Director Davide Acerra, Chef Barbara Pollastrini, and IACCW Executive Director Genny Nevoso
Getting the word out about Abruzzo, The Charming Taste of Europe and the True Italian Taste campaign brought Vini d’Abruzzo to Los Angeles for media and trade events to raise the profile of the region.  A fascinating evening at the Wisdome LA, in the Arts District of Downtown LA, kicked off the tour, with a storytelling wine dinner experience that immersed everyone in an overhead video presentation of what makes Abruzzo special, created by Imaginarium Creative Studio and projected on the dome above.  It was like a virtual trip to the land of Abruzzo, with its pristine natural wonders, winemaking culture, and artisanship, accompanied by a four course food and wine pairing.  “The Authentic Italian Table”, put on by the Italy-America Chamber of Commerce West (IACCW), and made possible by the True Italian Taste campaign, is a series of events highlighting Italy’s food and wine heritage, sadly this was the last of the series, at least for the moment.  Pre-dinner, cocktails and bites were served outside the dome, with a lively pouring of Abruzzo’s signature Montepulciano and Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo wines.  Then the main show and dinner commenced, with Chef Barbara Pollastrini’s menu, classic Abruzzo wines of Pecorino, Trebbiano d’Abruzzo, and Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, the Imaginarium projection mapping and storytelling show, Lavazza coffees, and various speeches by Sommelier Diego Meraviglia, IACCW Executive Director Genny Nevoso, Consorzio Executive Director Davide Acerra and Los Angeles City Councilman Joe Buscaino, a first-generation Italian-American.
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Sommelier Diego Meraviglia shares his knowledge and passion for Abruzzo wines
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The glow of multiple Pecorinos!
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Sommelier Diego Meraviglia explains the essence of Pecorino
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The Charming Taste of Europe sponsored Vini d'Abruzzo on tour in Los Angeles
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Cantina Colonnella Parhelia IGP Pecorino 2021
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Cantina Frentana Costa Del Mulino Abruzzo Pecorino DOC 2021
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Galasso Corno Grande IGT Terre di Chieti Pecorino 2021
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Talamonti Trabocchetto Abruzzo Pecorino Superiore DOC 2021
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Marramiero Abruzzo Pecorino DOC 2021
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Ciavolich Fosso Cancelli Trebbiano d'Abruzzo DOP 2019
The next day, Vini d’Abruzzo conducted a guided tasting/seminar and walk-around tasting for wine professionals at The Peninsula Hotel in Beverly Hills.  The seminar and tasting painted a colorful portrait of Pecorino, presented in astonishingly delightful detail by Diego Meraviglia, whose knowledge and experience has made him indispensable to the world of Italian wine.  From Abruzzo’s historical roots to today’s outstanding transformation, Meraviglia crafted a case for why everyone should beat a path to Abruzzo, a relatively unsung region that offers tremendous value for tourists and wine lovers.  It was so fascinating, to compare one wine grape varietal, among six different producers, they each had their own character, yet with a common core of the essence of Pecorino.  Yet for the life of me, without Meraviglia’s skilled tutelage, I would never have known that it was the same grape.  That common characteristic?  Density in the mid palate, minerality or salinity, a waxy core, and mouthwatering palate and finish, those are the hallmarks of Pecorino.  For me, it was like Pecorino was a bit of a chameleon, one wine like Sauvignon Blanc, another Riesling-like, the next a bit like Viognier.  And contrasted with a Trebbiano d’Abruzzo, standing in for a Pecorino that didn’t make it in time for the seminar, definitely a master class in Abruzzo white wine.  An interesting side note, Pecorino was almost extinct, resurrected from obscurity just a quarter century ago!
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Tasting among the small number of Abruzzo wine producers, there were a few finds for my palate: the Ciavolich Trebbiano d’Abruzzo Fosso Cancelli, the Pasetti Testarossa Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, the Marramiero Montepulciano d’Abruzzo Inferni Riserva, the Talamonti Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo, the Colli Aprutini Pecorino Parhelia, just to name a few.  Thanks to all the producers who traveled to the US, to share their wines with an eager crowd!  But what really struck me was the artful choice of food that accompanied the wine tasting, a lavish seafood platter complimented the whites, carved roast beef brought out the complex notes of the red and rosé Montepulciano wines.
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It was a grand introduction to the wines of Abruzzo, and everyone who attended echoed the same desire, to visit the region and experience the food and wine for themselves, whispering that Montepulciano d’Abruzzo is also one of the great grapes of Italy, with a rightful place among the heady company of Sangiovese and Nebbiolo.  And Trebbiano and Pecorino can also shine, setting themselves apart with their distinctive flavor profile.  The renaissance is here, with Abruzzo’s wine producers concentrating on what the terroir contributes to its viticulture, and advancing the art of winemaking, it’s an evolution of style and strategy that elevates all of Abruzzo for the better.