Montepulciano Riserva “Testarossa” 2018 DOP – Pasetti Vini

Montepulciano Riserva “Testarossa” 2018 DOP perfectly represents not only the winery but the entire Abruzzo region. If I close my eyes and think of Abruzzo, this wine immediately comes to mind! Full-bodied, warm, and strong, it reflects the character of this magnificent yet often overlooked region.

All the vintages highlight Pasetti’s commitment to excellence, capturing the essence of Montepulciano d’Abruzzo through meticulous vineyard management and expert winemaking. Each sip tells the story of a land where history, nature, and craftsmanship come together to create wines of exceptional depth and personality.
Take your time and give it a try. You deserve this wine, and you won’t regret it.

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.