by Zahra Alani Any wine lover knows that Italy’s wine scene is vast and deeply rooted in regional identity. With so many grapes and appellations, it can be a lot to navigate. I recently attended an exclusive Abruzzo wine masterclass in Vancouver and came away with a new appreciation for this central Italian region that deserves more attention from North American wine drinkers. Let me introduce you to the bold, dry rosé wines of Montepulciano. They’re nothing like the sweet pinks you might expect.
The Abruzzo region is located along Italy’s eastern Adriatic coast. It’s 65 percent mountainous, with a dramatic landscape that ranges from peaks to coastal hills. Vines have flourished here since the sixth century BC. Today, over 250 wineries operate in the region, producing around 150 million bottles annually.
Abruzzo’s natural richness is matched by its diverse terroir, with soils that include gravel, clay, sand, calcareous rock and more. Most vineyards are planted on hillsides, and elevation plays a major role in flavour. Wines from the coast are typically fuller-bodied and fruit-forward, while mountain wines are spicier, more structured and drier. They’re a pleasure to sip, pair with food or enjoy with friends.
What Makes Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo Rosé So Different?
When looking at a rosé with deep colour there is often a common misconception that the wine will be sweet and rich. However, Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo, an Italian DOC (Denominazione di Origine Controllata) classification of a rosé style wine offers something much more multi-layered. Made from the Montepulciano grape, this rosé is dry, complex and perfect for red wine lovers who crave intensity without heaviness.
Comparing Montepulciano Blends from Valle Martello and Torre Zambra
During the hour and a half tasting, there were two wines I kept circling back to as they changed in the glass. First was the Valle Martello. Its deep, intense colour might suggest sweetness at first glance, but that wasn’t the case. It was lovely from the first sip and only got better as it sat. As it warmed slightly, the flavours opened up beautifully. What began with wild berries developed into a deeper cherry finish. It was fresh, persistent and a great match for seafood, Mediterranean dishes, pizza or appetizers.
Bold Rosé for Red Wine Lovers: A Surprise from Abruzzo
If you love bold Italian reds, don’t overlook Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo. The Cortálto Montepulciano rosé from Cerulli Spinozzi looks delicate but drinks with richness and depth. This 100% Montepulciano wine is structured, flavourful and food-friendly. I’d pair it with pasta, rich fish or aged cheese. It’s a standout for those who want intensity without the heaviness of a traditional red. Versatile and expressive, it drinks beautifully slightly chilled or at room temperature.
More Standout Wines and Wineries at the Masterclass
The other wines in the lineup were just as memorable, each offering its own expression of Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo.
The Colline Teramane Cerasuolo Superiore from Cantina Mazzarosa was medium-bodied with notes of cherry, raspberry and pomegranate. It offered great drinkability, with a savoury profile and a touch of earthiness. This wine would pair well with white meats, lamb or even pizza.
The Colline Teramane Cerasuolo from Masciarelli offered a more delicate expression, made from free-run juice with no skin contact. Pale cherry in colour, it was floral and lightly red-fruited, fermented in stainless steel for a clean and elegant finish. A fresh herbal note added brightness, with a soft aftertaste that lingered gently on the palate. It would pair beautifully with Mediterranean cuisine.
What ended up being my ultimate first choice, after much back-and-forth between other favourites, was the Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo from Cascina del Colle. Fruity, smooth and lower in acidity, it was balanced and approachable. This Montepulciano rosé wine would shine when slightly chilled and paired with grilled lamb, roasted vegetables, cheese, or even a summer charcuterie board.
No two wines were alike. Each reflected the winemaker’s choices, from skin contact to fermentation style, and the influence of terroir across coastal hills and mountainous slopes. If you’re searching for the best rosé wines from Italy, Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo deserves a top spot on your list.
Let’s Talk Sustainability and Standards
You know you can’t hear from me without a nod to atmospheric sciences, microclimates or terroir, so let’s get into it! The region’s complex geography creates ideal growing conditions, and the wines reflect that. Abruzzo is one of the most environmentally protected wine regions in Europe, with over 30 percent of its territory designated as national or regional parks and nature reserves. . “We’re not just protecting wine,” said Davide Acerra. “We’re protecting a cultural landscape, a way of life.”
The Denomination of Controlled Origin (DOC) was established in 2002 to safeguard the identity and integrity of Abruzzo wines. The system also includes Indicazione Geografica Tipica (IGT) which allows for regional variation while upholding key quality benchmarks. Together, these designations help protect the land, enforce sustainable farming practices and ensure each bottle represents the authenticity and heritage of the region.
Beyond Montepulciano: Exploring Other Abruzzo Grapes
The region is best known for its indigenous red grape, Montepulciano, but there’s so much more to explore thanks to Abruzzo’s rugged landscape and diverse terroir. Trebbiano is the region’s primary white grape and a personal favourite of mine with fresh and floral notes. Other native varieties grown in Abruzzo include Pecorino, Passerina, Cococciola, Montonico, Malvasia, and Moscatello, each bringing something unique to the table.
How Montepulciano Wines from Abruzzo Show Unique Styles
I was fortunate to taste and learn about six Montepulciano rosé wines during the masterclass, and every single one had its own character. That’s the magic of Abruzzo. The maturation process, soil composition, fermentation methods and barrel types all play a role in shaping each bottle.
Wine is art, and winemaking in Abruzzo is truly world-class. Next time you’re browsing wine shelves or menus, take a tour through Italy and give this remarkable region a closer look.
Have you tried a Montepulciano rosé? Share your favourites in the comments or tag us in your next wine night!
