Appassimento Rosso 2021

Appassimento Rosso 2021 / Collefrisio / Abruzzo
Red wine from Italy

The Collefrisio winery is based in the picturesque town of Frisa, southwest of the port city of Pescara. Here, between the gentle coast of the Adriatic Sea and the steep slopes of the Majella National Park in southern Abruzzo, the vine plant finds a perfect habitat. The presence of the Majella and the sea positively influence the pedoclimatic environment and determine the ideal microclimate for the maturation of different grape varieties. The owners Amedeo De Luca and Antonio Patricelli are totally dedicated to the production of quality wines. They want to offer the market products with high added value, produced organically and without using products of animal origin in the production process. Collefrisio's wines aim for a contemporary taste that demands freshness and depth without giving up the pleasure of sharing and speaks many different languages.

With the "Appassimento" Amedeo and Antonio present a wine that inspires you immediately. A fantastic blend of vine-dried Montepulciano, Sangiovese, and Merlot grapes. The Montepulciano is a red grape variety. The wines made from the grapes of this grape variety are intensely coloured, down-to-earth to finely spicy and strong to high in alcohol. Although they can be stored well, they also taste very good when young. Sangiovese is also a red grape variety. It is one of the most important and common grape varieties in Italy and the main component of the famous Chianti. The grape variety was already cultivated by the Etruscans 2500 years ago. In the 20th century, the best clones were selected from the local forms that had developed over a long period of time and propagated systematically. A varietal Sangiovese wine is usually characterized by a strong colour and pronounced structure of acidity and strong tannins. The name SANGIOVESE comes from late Latin and means Jupiter's blood (Sanguis Giove). The red grape variety Merlot probably comes from France. It is an early maturing variety that produces fruity, full-bodied, and full-bodied wines.

The grapes for Collefrisio's Appassimento Rosso are all grown on mixed clayey soils in a naturally perfectly endowed hilly wine-growing area near the town of Frisa in the province of Chieti, at an average altitude of 200m asl. Before harvesting, part of the fruit is naturally dried on the vine through exposure to sunlight and air. Through the drying process, the grape loses water, resulting in a higher sugar content and a higher concentration of aromas and tannins. This results in a fuller and more concentrated wine. In the second decade of September the Merlot and in the second decade of October the Montepulciano and the Sangiovese are harvested by hand. Arrived in the wine cellar, the grapes are destemmed and gently pressed. After classic red wine vinification, the must is then subjected to fermentation and a long maceration on the skins and matured in stainless steel tanks.

The golden flower of a mulberry tree, which stands for prudence and patience, dominates the elegant label. With its intense ruby red colour, Collefrisio's Appassimento Rosso is a mature, complex, and elegant wine. The nose is delighted with fruity aromas of dog rose and wild violet. The light spiciness is accompanied by scents of fruit under alcohol and ripe plums. The palate shows an excellent structure that is soft and enveloping. The finale is phenomenally long.

The Appassimento Rosso from Collefrisio shines as a perfect aperitif when served at an optimal temperature of around 16 to 18 degrees Celsius, sensitizing the palate for the impending culinary experience. Its diverse aromas and gentle sweetness offer a delightful start to the evening. As an accompaniment to hearty dishes, particularly grilled meats, game specialties, or rich sauces, the Appassimento from the Abruzzo region fully reveals its potential. The wine's array of flavours complements the taste impressions of the food, creating a well-balanced gastronomic experience. The rich aromas and occasional sweet nuances of this splendid red wine also pair excellently with a variety of cheeses. Robust varieties such as blue cheese, Pecorino Abruzzese, Cacio Marcetto dell'Abruzzo, mature Cheddar, or spicy Gouda provide a flavourful enhancement. Thanks to its natural sweetness, the Appassimento also serves as an ideal accompaniment to desserts. Whether with chocolate cake, fruity tarts, or other sweet treats, it adds tasteful accents. Served as a digestif after a meal, an Appassimento expertly rounds off the dining experience, aiding digestion with its rich aromas and pleasant sweetness. Whether for reflective moments alone or in convivial company with friends, it is always an excellent choice.

General properties

• Vintage: 2021
• Ageing: Dry
• Country: Italy
• Region: Abruzzo
• Volume: 0.75 litres

Detailed properties

• Producer and bottler: Collefrisio Srl – Loc. Piane di Maggio - 66030 Frisa (CH) - Italia - +39 085 9039074
• Grape Varieties: 60% Montepulciano, 20% Sangiovese and 20 % Merlot.
  
• Growing region: Hilly wine-growing area in southern Abruzzo in the province of Chieti between the Adriatic Sea and the Majella National Park.
  
• Winemaking: Manual harvest of Merlot grapes in the second decade of September and Montepulciano and Sangiovese grapes in the second decade of October. Classic red wine vinification with fermentation and long maceration on the skins. Expansion in stainless steel tanks and final sterile cold bottling.
  
• Sensory characteristics: Dog rose and wild violets on the nose, fruity with red fruits in brandy and ripe plums, light spice. Complex wine with excellent structure, soft and enveloping. Persistent on the palate.
  
• Colour: Ruby red with slightly violet reflections.
  
• Alcohol content: 14.0 % Vol.
• Residual sugar: 10.4 g/l
• Total acidity: 5.34 g/l
• Type of closure: Natural cork.
• Serving recommendation: An exceptional and intriguing aperitif, which also pairs particularly well with game, roasts, boldly spiced dishes, and aged cheeses. It also excels as a dessert wine or digestif. Perfect for contemplative moments alone or in convivial company with friends.
  
• Recommended serving temperature: Between 16 and 18°C.
• Allergens: Contains sulfites.
• EAN (Bottle): 8033389861094
• Scope of supply: 1 bottle of wine 0.75 litres.

Grape varieties

MONTEPULCIANO

The Montepulciano, an outstanding red grape variety, reigns splendidly in the sun-drenched southern Abruzzo, particularly in the province of Chieti. Its flourishing reaches its zenith in warm, sun-soaked climates, even allowing it to majestically thrive in dry conditions. The southern Abruzzo presents itself as an ideal haven for this noble grape variety, where the proximity to the Adriatic Sea and the encompassing mountains creates a mild climate. A gentle sea breeze ensures a comfortable temperature balance, while the protective mountains stand against extreme weather conditions. The Montepulciano plant impresses with its vigorous growth, characterized by deeply incised leaves and gracefully loose clusters of medium to large stature, their dark blue-black colour catching the eye. These vines prove resilient against diseases and flourish in diverse soils. The Montepulciano grapes lend themselves equally well to varietal wines and blends, often combined with other grape varieties such as Sangiovese to create a variety of red wine styles. The roots of the Montepulciano vine stretch far back into the antiquity of central Italy, particularly in the Abruzzo region. Viticulture played a significant role during the Middle Ages and the Renaissance in this region, where monasteries and local nobility dedicated themselves fervently to winemaking, cultivating various grape varieties, including Montepulciano. Over the course of the 20th century, viticulture, especially after the Second World War, made significant strides. Technological innovations and a deeper understanding of vine training, soil composition, and climate adaptation contributed significantly to enhancing wine quality. Montepulciano garnered increasing recognition as a distinct variety and was no longer exclusively used for blending wines. In recent times, the Montepulciano vine has gained growing appreciation for its quality and unique character, reflected in its elevation to DOC and even DOCG classification, underscoring its outstanding quality and cultural value. An intriguing fact about the Montepulciano vine is that despite its name, its primary connection does not lie with the town of Montepulciano in Tuscany but is predominantly found in the southern Abruzzo. This fact often leads to confusion as the name suggests a different origin. However, there is no definitive historical source explaining the origin of the name, leaving the exact relationship between the grape variety and the town of Montepulciano open to interpretations and speculations.

SANGIOVESE

The Sangiovese, a red grape variety, is commonly associated with Tuscany but thrives in other regions of Italy, including the southern Abruzzo. Here, the character of Sangiovese can subtly vary depending on the specific terroir conditions of the region. Often, a warmer climate than in Tuscany prevails, providing favourable conditions for the grapes. Sangiovese vines grow on calcareous soils rich in minerals, offering good drainage. The Mediterranean climate, with its hot, dry summers and mild winters, creates ideal conditions for cultivating this grape variety. The precise chronological development of Sangiovese cultivation in the southern Abruzzo is not fully documented, yet indications suggest that the grape has been cultivated in the region for many generations. The introduction of Sangiovese to the southern Abruzzo may be attributed to various factors, including trade relations, winemaker migrations, and the search for suitable growing conditions for different grape varieties. Over time, winemaking techniques have also evolved, enabling winemakers in the southern Abruzzo to produce Sangiovese wines with diverse styles and flavour profiles that reflect the unique characteristics of their terroir. Sangiovese vines are typically trained in trellis form, using various systems such as the Guyot or Cordon system. This allows efficient use of space and improves vine ventilation, essential for minimizing disease risks. The leaves of Sangiovese are medium-sized and dark green, usually with five lobes and a leathery texture, serving to capture sunlight and conduct photosynthesis to fuel grape growth and ripening. The loosely packed clusters of Sangiovese grapes are large and cylindrical. Berries typically ripen uniformly, acquiring a deep red colour when fully matured. The ripening period of Sangiovese grapes in the southern Abruzzo varies depending on local microclimates and specific growing conditions, usually occurring between August and October. The Sangiovese grape has become an integral part of winemaking in the region, contributing to the promotion of wine diversity and the cultural significance of the southern Abruzzo in both national and international wine markets. An interesting fact about the name "Sangiovese" is its possible etymological origin. The name "Sangiovese" likely stems from the Latin expression "sanguis Jovis," translating to "Blood of Jupiter." This designation may allude to the deep red colour of Sangiovese grapes and wines. The use of the term "Jupiter" could also reference ancient Roman mythology, where Jupiter (or Jove) was the supreme god associated with strength, power, and fertility. This connection may symbolize how Sangiovese grapes are traditionally regarded as one of Italy's noblest and most important grape varieties. The designation "Blood of Jupiter" imparts a mystical and powerful aura to the Sangiovese grape, emphasizing its historical significance and role as the centrepiece of some of Italy's most famous wines.

MERLOT

The Merlot vine is globally renowned for its softness, fruitiness, and versatility. Particularly in the southern Abruzzo region, where a Mediterranean climate prevails with hot, dry summers and mild winters, it thrives splendidly. From the lower plains to the hilly areas, vineyards sprawl, endowing the Merlot from this region with a distinctive characteristic. The viticultural history of Abruzzo traces back to antiquity, when the Etruscans and later the Romans inhabited the area. During those times, various grape varieties were cultivated, including Merlot, although specific records of its distribution are lacking. However, systematic development of winemaking commenced only in the 19th century, as wine production escalated, and techniques improved. International grape varieties like Merlot gained popularity then, as they facilitated a broader range of wine styles and met the demands of the burgeoning wine industry. The Merlot vine itself is of medium size and vigorous in growth. In the southern Abruzzo, vines are typically trained on trellises or pergolas to ensure optimal air circulation and sunlight exposure. The leaves of the Merlot plant are comparatively large, roundish, and deeply lobed, with a dark green hue and glossy surface. The grapes of this grape variety are medium-sized and cylindrical in shape, growing in loosely clustered bunches, thus facilitating good ventilation and sunlight exposure. The berries are usually medium-sized and equipped with a thin skin. In spring, the Merlot vine buds and undergoes the vegetative growth cycle until flowering in early summer. The berries then ripen from late summer to autumn, depending on climatic conditions and the specific location of the vineyard. Merlot wines from the southern Abruzzo can be used both as varietals and in blends, often combined with other local grape varieties such as Montepulciano. This blend imparts additional structure and depth to the wine while preserving the characteristic Merlot aromas.

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