Rabasco Winery
Cancelli Rosso
Cancelli Rosso
Varietal: Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
Region: Abruzzo
Country: Italy
Volume: 750ml
During the fermentation in conical stainless steel tanks, extreme attention was given to an extraction aimed at fresh and fragrant aromas, full colors, and supple, elegant textures and tannins. Once the wine had been run off its skins at the end of the fermentation, it was put through a full malolactic fermentation in oak barrels to fully bring out the finesse and expressiveness of the aromas. The aging process, which lasted approximately 12-14 months, then began and took place in 60 gallon French and Hungarian oak barrels, partly new and partly used once previously.
This wine is crafted with spontaneous fermentation and no added sulfur, reflecting the purest expression of the terroir. It is aged in stainless steel and left unfiltered, giving it a rustic, yet refreshing character. The Cancelli Rosso offers bright and lively flavors, with dark fruit notes like blackberry, accompanied by herbal undertones and a touch of earthiness. It’s known for its juiciness, moderate body, and fine tannins, making it an ideal wine for both casual sipping and pairing with a range of foods, from grilled meats to hearty pastas.
Sip on this! It's good for you because...
About Winemaker
Rabasco Winery
Rabasco Winery, founded by Iole Rabasco, is located in the picturesque village of Pianella in Abruzzo, Italy. This small, family-run estate spans about 3.5 hectares, producing wines primarily from Montepulciano and Trebbiano d'Abruzzo grapes. The vineyards are situated on calcareous clay soils, enriched with fossil and alluvial sediment, which contribute to the mineral complexity of the wines. The vines, some as old as 40 years, are farmed organically, and the estate has never used chemical treatments.
Rabasco embraces traditional methods, with vines trained in the *tendone* style, and all vineyard work is done by hand. The winery is part of the natural wine movement, meaning no added sulfur, no fining, no filtration, and spontaneous fermentation. This hands-off approach aims to capture the true essence of the terroir, resulting in rustic yet refined wines that balance acidity, freshness, and natural expression.
The proximity to both the Adriatic Sea and the Gran Sasso mountains gives the estate unique microclimatic conditions, helping create wines that are fresh and vibrant while still showing the depth of the Montepulciano grape. Rabasco's wines are highly sought after for their purity and authentic representation of Abruzzo's winemaking traditions.
So..What's natural wine again?
- No synthetic molecules in the vines
- Plowing or other solutions to avoid chemical herbicides
- Use of indigenous yeast
- Handpicked grapes
- Low to no filtering
- Low to no sulfites
- Winemaking that respects the grapes: no pumping or rough handling
of the grapes - no micro-oxygenation
Not all of our wines are natural; some are simply organic or sustainable.
However, they're all delicious and good for you!