Posted By Joel on July 28, 2010

La Valentina Cerasuolo Montepulciano d’Abruzzo 2009, DOC

After four hours of yard work the electric shrub trimmer, telescopic saw and tree pruner had become temporary extensions of my physical anatomy.

I reflected upon the plight of Edward Scissorhands.

Sweat and dirt combined with copious amounts of SPF 50 sunblock to trickle impressive rivers of funky mud down along my arms.

In a primal voice I called out to weeds, bushes, trees, and wife:

“That’s it…enough”.

Major refreshment required: a cool shower…pizza from a local legend…and a bottle of chilled Cerasuolo that reminded me of how wine things are looking up in Abruzzo.

Fattoria La Valentina is a leader among a group of producers responsible for some top quality bottlings of Abruzzo’s indigenous Montepulciano d’Abruzzo varietal.

Established in 1990, the estate, owned by Sabatino Di Properzio and located in the hills around Pescara, follows a naturalist production philosophy that approaches Hippocratic oath:

We interfere as little as possible in the land’s natural processes, adhering to the idea that “The premise for the DOC is the mark the vine leaves on its grapes”. Our wines are made by nature and our work should not inhibit the expression of the vine. We seek to respect the fruit of our land both on the vine and in the bottle, and to practice winemaking that allows for the fullest expression of our region’s special qualities.*

La Valentina’s Cerasuolo is a rosè made from 25 – 35 year old vines belonging to 30 hectares of vineyards around Spoltore. Vinyards lie at 150 – 350m altitude with south – southwest exposure, planted in medium textured clay soil.

Multiple grape selections are carried out during harvest time and just 18 hours of skin is allowed. A bleeding of the must and light fermentation is carried out in stainless steel where it remains, refining until bottling.

Tasting Notes / Impressions:

Simply beautiful water-color rose with faded raspberry reflections. Superbly clean, intense aromatics of cherries and strawberries on the nose. Watermelon on the palate. Finishes with luscious berry essence, hints of tobacco, almond, anise. A lively, fresh, and immensely refreshing wine at a value for money price point.

Food Pairing Suggestions:

MEATS: burgers, spareribs, barbecued meats, etc; chicken or veal “alla cacciatore”; FISH: bouillabaisse; seafood paella; tuna steaks cooked with capers, black olives, red onion, roma tomatoes; grilled salmon served with aioli mayonnaise; PASTA: spaghetti “alla puttanesca”; penne with eggplant and sweet peppers; VEGETARIAN: a hearty Panzanella or Nicoise salad; Eggplant Provencal; or the penne pasta with eggplant and sweet peppers, or spaghetti “alla puttanesca”; CHEESES: recommend Chevre, Feta, or Spanish Mahon

* From La Valentina website

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Categories: $ (Under $25), Abruzzo, Wine
Tags: Montepulciano, Pinot