De Fermo, Montepulciano "Le Cince" Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo, Italy 2023

100% Montepulciano

Le Cince is named after the local “cinciallegra” bird, known for its loud chirping.

Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo is the traditional deeply-colored, full-bodied rosato of the region. Meaning "cherry-like" due to its color and flavor, it is the true calling card of the finest Abruzzo growers. De Fermo is one of the only growers to age its Cerasuolo the old-fashioned way: in huge botti.

Le Cince has bite and texture, as savory herbal notes commingle with hints of tart cherry, red berries, and rose petals. It’s a bit meaty and smokey too, absolutely perfect for anything grilled. Subtle notes of cocoa and fruit leather emerge amidst the swarm of fresh cherries, and the palate displays remarkable tension and length.

Drink chilled... but not too chilled — you'll want to fully taste the evolving flavors.

The vines are certified-biodynamic and harvested by hand, from the same parcels used for their reds but earlier. The bunches are partly destemmed and partly left whole and gently pressed in an old-school vertical pressoir. Maceration is a quick 3-4 hours. Fermentation is spontaneous with no temperature control. The wine is aged in 16-hectoliter Stockinger botti for 8 months and is bottled without fining, filtering or additional sulfur.