Montepulciano d’Abruzzo Madonnella DOP 2020 – Pasetti

If the Montepulciano Riserva Testarossa embodies the soul of Abruzzo with its bold, warm, and structured character, the Montepulciano d’Abruzzo Madonnella offers a softer and more approachable expression of the region. While the Testarossa impresses with its complexity and aging potential, the Madonnella delights with its immediacy and simplicity—qualities that make it perfect for everyday enjoyment.
This wine is smoother, less intricate, and more accessible than the Testarossa, yet it retains a remarkably high level of quality. Its approachable nature isn’t a weakness but a strength.
It’s the kind of wine that pleases everyone at the table, delivering satisfaction with every sip. Designed for the broader public, the Madonnella has a direct charm and versatility that make it a favorite among many. After all, it’s the one that puts food on our table.

Pasetti

The Pasetti winery’s history begins in the Bourbon era, when Silvestro Pasetti purchased land and planted vineyards. His son, Rocco, carried on his father’s vision. He faced and overcame the phylloxera plague, ensuring the family legacy endured.

Today, Mimmo runs the winery. He carefully preserves Abruzzo’s winemaking traditions, while also embracing innovation. His eldest daughter, Francesca, has red hair, a feature that connects her to both Madame Rachele and Franco’s mother. The Testarossa wine line, named in tribute to these women, has become the winery’s flagship brand.

All of Pasetti’s wines are crafted within the Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga National Park, an area that embodies the connection between the land and local grape varieties. The Testarossa red comes from Montepulciano d’Abruzzo grapes, while other wines are made using Trebbiano d’Abruzzo, Pecorino, and Passerina varieties. Additionally, Pasetti produces a sweet white wine from Moscatello di Castiglione grapes, an ancient variety once nearly lost.

While many winemakers chose international varieties like Cabernet, Merlot, and Chardonnay, Mimmo believed native grapes would thrive in the right soil. His belief led him to revive Pecorino, an ancient grape variety. This decision proved successful, and today, Pecorino wine offers immense potential for the entire Abruzzo wine community. Viva l’Abruzzo!

Montepulciano

Montepulciano is a red grape variety widely cultivated in central Italy, especially in Abruzzo, Marche, Tuscany, and Molise. Its wines are renowned worldwide for their soft flavors and deep color pigments. The gentle tannins and medium acidity create a balanced, medium-bodied wine that is best enjoyed within a few years of bottling.
However, when aged in oak, Montepulciano reveals a richer, more structured style. This deep purple juice is integral to around 30 of Italy’s DOC and DOCG designations. Montepulciano also blends beautifully with other varieties, particularly with Sangiovese, Italy’s most widely planted grape. This blend is celebrated in several DOC appellations, most notably in the Rosso Piceno and Rosso Conero wines from the Adriatic coast.