Don Camillo Sangiovese Terre di Chieti IGT 2024

Don Camillo comes from vines grown in the commune of Ortona, in the province of Chieti, on the Adriatic coast of Abruzzo. Planted facing south-east, the vines take root in clay-limestone soils and are trained on pergolas, the region's traditional system. Wedged between the peaks of the Apennines and the Adriatic Sea, this terroir enjoys sunny days and sea breezes that cool the nights, an ideal balance for bringing Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon to full ripeness.

The grapes, harvested ripe, are gently destemmed and crushed before a maceration and fermentation of some twenty days, which extract colour, fruit and structure. Malolactic fermentation then takes place in French oak barriques, where the wine continues ageing for six months. This time in oak brings roundness and spicy notes while respecting the generous fruit of Sangiovese, complemented by the backbone and aromatic depth of Cabernet Sauvignon.

This wine reveals notes of brandied cherry, red fruit jam, blackberry, blackcurrant, liquorice, vanilla, faded flowers and black pepper. Beneath an intense ruby colour, the nose is fruity and indulgent, lifted by spicy and oaky touches. The palate is broad and fleshy, carried by present but well-coated tannins and pleasant acidity on the finish. Ready to drink, this generous wine reveals all its charm at the table.

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!