Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo DOC Amphora 2023

Wine Description for Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo DOC Amphora 2023 by Cirelli

Colour & Appearance

Transparent, luminous cherry red with brilliant clarity – this Cerasuolo presents itself radiantly in the glass, somewhere between ambitious rosé and elegant red wine style.

Nose

A true fireworks display of red fruits: sour cherries, heart cherries and amarena cherries dominate, underpinned by a hint of cherry cola. These are joined by preserved strawberries, hibiscus and the scent of wild raspberries. The delicate spice character of a summer meadow lends additional complexity to the bouquet – pure drinking pleasure.

Palate

The radiant red fruit is framed by fine-grained phenolics, which give the wine structure and tension. Almost powdery tannins meet a driving, ripe acidity that pulses like a beat behind the fruit. With 13% alcohol, it presents itself juicy and gripping – too fresh for a classic red wine, too powerful for a rosé. This hybridity is what makes it so appealing.

Finish

Medium-length, fresh and characterised by persistent cherry fruit, with a fine, slightly bitter aftertaste that invites the next sip.

Terroir & Origin

The Montepulciano vines thrive on lean loam-limestone soils in Abruzzo, on both owned and leased vineyards of Francesco Cirelli – a pioneer of biodynamic viticulture in the region.

Grape Variety & Vinification

100% Montepulciano, hand-harvested and destemmed. After gentle crushing, a six-hour skin maceration follows in stainless steel tanks – just enough for colour and structure. Fermentation occurs spontaneously with indigenous yeasts, ageing in amphorae, where malolactic fermentation also takes place. This traditional ageing imparts the wine its characteristic texture.

Food Pairing Suggestions

The ultimate secret weapon at table: perfect with grilled tuna, Vitello Tonnato, Arrosticini (the typical Abruzzo skewers), Pasta all’Amatriciana or pizza with salami. Also a pleasure on its own – the ideal thirst quencher for long summer evenings.

Special Features

A prime example of the modern Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo style: more than rosé, less than red wine, and therein lies its magic. The amphora ageing imparts additional finesse.