Agriverde Riseis Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo 2025

Agriverde's vines stretch across the rolling hills of Villa Caldari, in Ortona, in the province of Chieti, at the heart of Abruzzo. The estate farms 65 hectares organically, between the Adriatic Sea, which tempers the climate, and the Majella massif, which shelters the vines and shapes their character. The plots used for this Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo lie on limestone soils, at around 280 metres above sea level.

The Montepulciano, known locally as Cordisco, enjoyed a hot, dry but not excessive summer in 2025, conducive to even ripening, and was harvested in early October at perfect ripeness. The grapes undergo a cold maceration, followed by gentle pressing. The clear must then ferments at controlled temperature in stainless-steel tanks, to preserve the intensity of the colour, the precision of the fruit and the vibrant style typical of Cerasuolo.

This wine reveals notes of strawberry, crunchy cherry, pomegranate, raspberry, rose petal, blood orange zest, redcurrant and pink grapefruit. The intense light ruby colour heralds a rosé with character. The palate is ample and juicy, carried by clean acidity that gives it energy and precision. The whole combines indulgence and freshness, and ends on a saline finish.

Ah, Italy, what a beautiful, hedonistic country, the land of la dolce vita, but how difficult it is to understand its wine industry! The key to understanding the appellation system in Italy is to think of it as several small countries rather than a single homogeneous nation, as each region has its own appellation system. Italy can offer wine lovers a multitude of wines with varied and unique flavors and styles, bottles brimming with surprise and creativity. Unfortunately, it also produces a large quantity of soulless, characterless wines sold under their most commercially useful and prestigious name: Pinot Grigio, Chianti, Valpolicella, Lambrusco, Prosecco, and many others... But let's talk a little history. Viticulture in Italy dates back to antiquity and originated in Greece. The Etruscans are said to have introduced the vine, and Greek immigrants improved and modified the grape varieties, subsequently calling the country "Oenotria": the land of wine. At the height of the Roman Empire, wine held an important place in daily life, and certain regions already distinguished themselves by the excellence of their product. The Romans also established numerous vineyards in Europe, leaving an indelible mark of their conquest. Today, Italy is the world's largest wine producer, ahead of France. Italy is divided into three climatic zones. The northern mountains have a rather harsh mountain climate. The plains of the "central boot" are characterized by a continental climate with cold winters and hot, stormy summers. In the southern part of the Italian boot, the Mediterranean climate prevails, with very hot and dry summers, not forgetting the islands of Sicily and Sardinia. In short, Italy produces a wide variety of wines thanks to its 200 different grape varieties, many of which originated in its own lands. It is a country as complex as its wines, which deserve to be explored!