Villa Gemma
Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo 2022
Abruzzo
Villa Gemma Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo, first produced in 1986, represents one of the finest expressions of rosé in Italy. From the renowned Cerasuolo appellation, known for its deep, structured rosé made from Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, this wine combines rich dark cherry fruit with spicy, smoky notes. It is fleshy and full, with surprising depth and length, making it a rosé versatile enough for the dinner table. The wine’s complexity and structure garner press reviews often reserved for reds, further solidifying its place in Italian wine history.
VINEYARD
From the San Martino sulla Marrucina vineyard, at 1,200 feet above sea level, the Montepulciano grape is pergola trellised on calcareous clay.
WINEMAKING
After destemming and pressing, the must is macerated with the skins for 24 hours before racking and fermentation in stainless steel. The wine is bottled in March following the harvest.
VINTAGE
The 2022 growing season in Abruzzo saw early budding and development due to a hot and dry spring, followed by intense heat and limited rainfall. Summer storms provided some relief, helping the vines cope with the heat. Harvest began in early August with white grapes, followed by red grape varieties in September. Despite the heat, the summer rains provided the necessary hydration for the vines, resulting in a vintage with balanced acidity and concentrated flavors. The harvest was earlier than usual due to the early growing season. Harvest ran August 25 to November 4.
TASTING NOTE
A deep cherry-hued Cerasuolo of real substance, opening with aromas of wild strawberry, raspberry, and lavender with a mineral undercurrent. Round and juicy on the palate with bright acidity, red berry and cherry fruit, and a long, spiced finish.
FOOD PAIRING
Grilled salmon, roasted chicken, pasta with tomato-based sauces, charcuterie, and aged pecorino.
Color
Rose
Blend %
100% Montepulciano
Appellation
Abruzzo
Alcohol
14%
Suggested Retail Price
$24
Reviews
Vinous - May 23, 2023
James Suckling - December 5, 2023
Wine Enthusiast - March 6, 2024 "The nose balances sweet aromas of cherry and strawberry with umami notes of leather and warm brick, while the lively palate fizzes with acid and more astringent fruit flavors, and a light dusting of chili powder covers it all."
More on Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo 2022
The Intriguing and Vibrant Hue of Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo
May 26, 2023 - Seven Fifty Daily asked Dallas sommelier and wine director of Tower Club of Dallas’ Tiffany Tobey about the charming and approachable nature of Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo, the cherry-hued sister of Montepulciano…
Trade Materials
Other Wines by this Producer
Abruzzo Bianco
Abruzzo Bianco
While the Villa Gemma Montepulciano was the wine that announced Abruzzo to the world, the Bianco, created just a year later, further defined what the region and grapes of Abruzzo could produce. This wine, first released in 1985, speaks to the white grape varieties specific to the region and has become on of the most exciting wines produced at the estate.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo Riserva
Montepulciano d'Abruzzo
Started in Gianni Masciarelli's grandfather's basement, Villa Gemma is the wine that announced Abruzzo to the world, showcasing what the region and grapes of Abruzzo could produce. Villa Gemma Montepulciano Riserva is the only Italian wine with 14 consecutive Tre Bicchieri awards and, more importantly, was the wine that established Abruzzo as capable of making truly distinct, extraordinary wines. Villa Gemma Montepulciano Riserva is a powerfully - almost undeniably - intense wine of character and complexity, with deep fruit and earthy, spicy secondary charachteristics that could only come from the Montepulciano grape in Abruzzo.
