2024 Caprera "Le Vasche" Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo

Caprera is a small, quality-focused Abruzzo estate working with organically grown Montepulciano, hand-harvested in small baskets in late September or early October depending on the vintage. Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo is a distinctive style in its own right: because Montepulciano's skins are so deeply pigmented, even brief, minimal skin contact produces a notably darker, more substantial rosé than the norm, closer to a "boundary-walker" between rosé and light red than a typical pale Provençal-style pink. Depending on the character of each vintage, Caprera decides whether to let the must macerate briefly on skins or press directly for a lighter expression, then ferments the free-run juice at cool temperatures to dryness. The result is a deeply colored rosé that punches well above typical rosé weight and complexity. Expect a vividly fruity nose of pungent berry fruit, layered with spice and even a touch of citrus, while the palate carries a distinctive saline, mineral texture that balances out the wine's forward, concentrated fruit. It's a style built for real food pairing rather than simple porch-sipping, structured enough to stand up to grilled fish, saltimbocca, tomato-based pasta, or a full antipasti spread. Caprera's Cerasuolo bottlings have drawn strong critical attention in recent vintages, with reviewers noting a savory, almost smoky complexity alongside bright red fruit and salty earthiness, a great example of why Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo has increasingly been recognized as one of Italy's most serious, food-worthy rosé styles rather than a simple warm-weather quaffer.