We the Italians September 21, 2015 - 68 | Page 35

st # 68 • SEPTEMBER 21 , 2015 from this DOCG check out the Consorzio di Tutela Montepulciano d’Abruzzo Colline Teramane site. I’m sharing with you a wine from the producer, Cerulli Spinozzi, whom is located close to the Gran Sasso mountains. It’s their 2009 Tenuta Cerulli Spinozzi Torre Migliori Montepucliano d’Abruzzo Colline Teramane DOCG. According to Banfi Wines, “Cerulli owns 10% of the DOCG’s 100 hectacres” and the Torre Migliori comes from this specific area. This wine is made 100% from the montepulciano grape. Organic in their winemaking, Tenute Cerulli Spinozzi produces wines made from 2009 Tenuta Cerulli Spinozzi Torre Mi- the montepulciano, pecorino, trebbiano gliori Montepulciano d’Abruzzo Colline and chardonnay grapes. Their two viTeramane DOCG neyard sites are located in Canzano and Mosciano with about 50 acres in total siColor: ruby red tuated near the Gran Sasso mountains. Nose: Earthy, dark fruit, black cherry, spi- The Abruzzo region is mostly dominated ces by co-ops by about 85% and Enrico’s Palate: Medium body, dry, warm (14% al- grandfather is known for being the founcohol), smooth, good acidity and tannin der of Casal Thaulero, one of the large Aging: 2 years in oak and an additional 6 cooperatives in Abruzzo. months in the bottle. Retails $17 (wine searcher) I hope you get to experience the quality Tenuta Cerulli Spinozzi is a joint venture montepulciano grape from the Teramaof two families, Cerulli Irelli and Spinozzi. ne area so you can decipher the major The winery was started by the two Cerulli difference between your everyday monIrelli brothers, Francesco and Vincenzo, tepulciano and those of the DOCG. in 2003 and is today run by Enrico, the son of Vicenzo. His approach to winemaking and running the winery today consists of replanting the vines, while tending to some of the 30 year old vines at low yields to produce higher quality grapes. He has enabled the consulting wine expertise of famous consultant, Franco Bernabei. WE THE ITALIANS | 35 www.wetheitalians.com