Cirelli Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo '23

Francesco Cirelli is among the most interesting producers to emerge from Abruzzo in the past few decades, or perhaps ever. All his wines seem to channel his passion for the land and winemaking, and he exemplifies the concept of sustainability. At his farm, where he practices organic and biodynamic viticulture, there are vineyards as well as other forms of agriculture, and farm animals, surrounded by 23 hectares of land, located only 8 kilometers (5 miles) from the Adriatic Sea. To Cirelli, it is vital to incorporate all aspects of a farm to achieve true sustainability. Crop rotation, natural fertilization, and free-range animal grazing are practiced at the farm, and Cirelli produces olive oil, vegetables, fruit, and meats in addition to its wine. Agricola Cirelli is a certified organic farm.
 
Cirelli’s Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo is a deep-hued rosé made from the Montepulciano variety. The dark color results from the grape must coming into contact with the grape skins, which have dark pigmentation, producing a rosé that is notably darker than the norm. The grapes are manually harvested, and the wine is fermented with indigenous yeast in stainless steel vats, where it is then aged.
 
The nose is fruity, with red berry notes, savory herbs, and a touch of citrus rind. On the palate, the wine shows salinity and a mineral texture, balanced its fruitiness. A delicious food wine that will go with almost anything on the table, from vegetable to seafood to meat dishes, including those with heat spice.