2020 Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo

100% Montepulciano. Only 20 minutes' skin contact apparently! 1 out of 13 on the Vagabond dry-to-sweet scale. Tuna sashimi recommended. Looks more like a pale red clarete. 'Think of it as a light red if it helps', say Vagabond. Very pale ruby colour. Rose-petal aroma plus red-pepper scent. Quite a bit of (added?) acidity. Should be good with food but it's a bit too chewy and tart as an aperitif. (JR)

Pretty in pink, yet verging on red and packed full of character, the 2020 Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo lifts up from the glass with beguiling depths of crushed stone, wild strawberries, nectarine and zesty citrus. It’s vibrant, seeming to sizzle upon the senses with pent-up tension, as ripe red fruits ride a wave of stimulating acidity, leaving sweet inner florals in their wake. Enriching notes of spice, pomegranate and cherry pits linger through the long, slightly grippy and mouthwatering finale. Pour me another, please. This wine is made from a single vineyard with clay soils and a southern exposure, which was specifically tailored to grow Montepulciano for Cerasuolo. I thought it was interesting to hear from Cristiana Tiberio that she prefers to drink these wines young to properly enjoy the framing tannins that soften a bit too much over time. That said, you could easily cellar this for a number of years. PS: The vibrant color comes from all free-run juice. - Eric Guido