Agricola Cirelli “Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo”
ABRUZZO, ITALY | 2022
As we transition into warmer weather, let's dive into some wines for April's wine club that capture the essence of shorts and sandals. Cerasuolo, one of my personal favorite styles among Italian wines, sits delicately between rosés and full-blown reds, boasting a hue reminiscent of Cerasuolo’s English translation: cherry red. However, it's important to note that despite its name, Cerasuolo doesn't refer to a specific grape variety; rather, it’s a style that varies in composition depending on the region of Italy where it's produced. For our exploration, we're focusing on Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo from the Abruzzo region which sits on the opposite side of the Apennine mountains from Tuscany. This is distinct, however, from Cerasuolo di Vittoria in Sicily. The Abruzzo version is a softer maceration of the thick-skinned, dark-hued, and boldly tannic varietal Montepulciano (not to be confused with Tuscany’s Sangiovese-based Vino Nobile di Montepulciano!).
Now, let's shift our attention to Agricola Cirelli. If you've recently sampled our orange wines at Midi, you may have enjoyed our lighter selection from the Cirelli winery. Francesco and Michela Cirelli are the dynamic duo behind this operation, championing organic and biodynamic practices. Their holistic approach to farming encompasses everything from crop rotation to free-range animal grazing, resulting in a vibrant ecosystem where olive trees, vineyards, and more thrive in harmony. The fruits of their labor extend beyond wine, yielding exceptional olive oil, vegetables, fruits, and meats of exquisite quality.
Among their offerings is this delightful bottle sourced from a small 2-hectare vineyard where the grapes are lovingly hand-harvested and fermented in stainless steel. This wine is perfect for casual weeknight enjoyment, boasting a playful character with prominent berry notes, herbal undertones, and a hint of spice on the nose. On the palate, expect a luscious cherry-laden profile complemented by gentle tannins and a touch of salinity. Pair it with goat cheese bruschetta or a saffron-infused paella for an ideal patio indulgence!