Tre Bicchieri 2019 Previews. Abruzzo's best wines

Abruzzo’s wine industry is in many ways a kind of microcosm of the nation as a whole. This is true from a historic point of view, in its gradual capacity to develop its distinct characteristics while leaving behind an age in which it was dominated by large quantities of generic bulk wine used outside of the region. It’s also true from a territorial point of view, inasmuch as its grapes are cultivated from the highest peaks of the Apennines to the lowlands that line the Adriatic coast, each with its own relative agricultural and geo-climatic distinctions. And it’s also true from an entrepreneurial point of view, considering the variety of producers who operate here, from large-scale wineries with volumes in the millions of bottles to tiny artisans, from its cooperatives to private wineries of every sort. And the array of veteran winemakers is constantly being replenished and renewed by emerging ones. Naturally, this scenario is reflected in the wines themselves. Despite its somewhat limited ampelography (with respect to other areas), the various geographies and technical sensibilities give rise to a particularly varied aggregation of wines. There’s its Trebbiano and Pecorino whites, rosés and reds made with Montepulciano, and every possible stylistic interpretation is covered, from more Mediterranean wines to more ‘northern’ ones, from the delectable to the austere, from early-drinking to ageworthy. Then there’s those wines that are commonly associated with the ‘naturale’ movement, which are even inspiring the work done by more ‘classic’ producers. We’re speaking of organic management, eco-friendly projects, spontaneous fermentation, maceration on the skins (even for white grapes), maturation in concrete and terra-cotta, vinification without clarifying, filtration or added sulfites, and so on. And it’s all woven together by an extraordinary gastronomic versatility that allows its principal typologies to accompany practically any dish, and not just local ones. And they won’t cost you an arm and a leg either (it’s not a coincidence that once again a number of Tre Bicchieri come at a price that would allow for daily consumption). Montepulciano d’Abruzzo takes center stage, without a doubt the region’s most important appellation. In fact, it’s just now celebrating its 50th anniversary, and the series of wines recognized reminds us how much has changed over the past half a century.

Abruzzo Pecorino Giocheremo con i Fiori '17 – Torre dei Beati

Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo Piè delle Vigne '16 – Luigi Cataldi Madonna

Montepulciano d'Abruzzo '13 – Valentini

Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Colline Termane Zanna Ris. '13 – Illuminati

Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Mo' Ris. '14 – Cantina Tollo

Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Podere Castorani Ris. '14 – Castorani

Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Spelt Ris. '15 – La Valentina

Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Vign. Di Sant'Eusanio '16 – Valle Reale

Pecorino '17 – Villa Medoro

Trebbiano d'Abruzzo Castello di Semivicoli '15 – Masciarelli

Trebbiano d'Abruzzo Sup. Mario's 44 '16 – Tenuta Terraviva

Tullum Pecorino Biologico '17 – Feudo Antico