Trebbiano d’Abruzzo DOC: A great Italian white wine

Listen up wine travelers if you have not heard of Italy's Abruzzo wine region then now is the time. Abruzzo is best known for Montepulciano (red grape), and Trebbiano d’Abruzzo (white grape) however, these days lesser known varieties like Passeribna, Cococciola, and Pecorino are getting the attention they deserve too (see my earlier post on Pecorino). This post will focus on Trebbiano d’Abruzzo DOC, una grande bianco italiano (a great Italian white wine), and part of the Consortium for the Protection of Abruzzo Wines (Consorzio di Tutela dei Vini d’Abruzzo). While I have not been to Abruzzo yet, I feel drawn to exploring its Trebbiano d’Abruzzo  and Pecorino wines.

Trebbiano d’Abruzzo DOC Wines © Spaswinefood

Consorzio di Tutela dei Vini d’Abruzzo (Consortium for the Protection of Abruzzo Wines)

Established in 2002 the consortium, Consorzio di Tutela dei Vini d’Abruzzo, protects wines from Controlled Designation of Origin, such as Montepulciano d’Abruzzo DOC, Trebbiano d’Abruzzo DOC, Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo DOC, Abruzzo DOC, Villamagna DOC and, it also protects wines with a Typical Geographical Indication. Abruzzo, a unique wine region in Europe, has more than 30% of the territory protected by four parks (three national and one regional), and a dozen nature reserves and protected areas.

I was delighted to learn about wines from Trebbiano d’Abruzzo DOC, which was the focus of a #WMC22 session given by Davide Acerra and  Robert V. Camuto.

Consorzio di Tutela dei Vini d’Abruzzo (DOP, DOC & DOCG) © Spaswinefood

To be given Trebbiano d’Abruzzo DOC label it must meet DOC requirements.

Trebbiano d’Abruzzo DOC Requirements © Spaswinefood

During the session we tasted the following Trebbiano d’Abruzzo DOC wines:

Trebbiano d’Abruzzo DOC Wines © Spaswinefood

Given this was my second time being introduced to Abruzzo wines I was excited to explore its great Italian white wine, Trebbiano.

1. Velenosi, Trebbiano d’Abruzzo DOC 2021

Velenosi, Trebbiano d’Abruzzo DOC 2021 © Spaswinefood

Velenosi, Trebbiano d’Abruzzo DOC 2021 © Spaswinefood 

2. Cantine Strapelli, Trebbiano d’Abruzzo DOC 2021

Cantine Strapelli, Trebbiano d’Abruzzo DOC 2021 © Spaswinefood

Tasting Trebbiano d’Abruzzo DOC © Spaswinefood

3. Bossanova, Trebbiano d’Abruzzo DOC 2021

Bossanova, Trebbiano d’Abruzzo DOC 2021 © Spaswinefood

Bossanova, Trebbiano d’Abruzzo DOC 2021 © Spaswinefood

All of the above wines were from the 2021 vintage.

Tasting Trebbiano d’Abruzzo DOC Wines from 2021 © Spaswinefood

The next three wines, were slightly older vintages. 

4. Cantina Tollo, Trebbiano d’Abruzzo DOC 2020

Cantina Tollo, Trebbiano d’Abruzzo DOC 2020 © Spaswinefood

Cantina Tollo,Trebbiano d’Abruzzo DOC 2020 © Spaswinefood

5. Agriverde, Trebbiano d’Abruzzo DOC 2020

Agriverde, Trebbiano d’Abruzzo DOC 2020 © Spaswinefood

Agriverde, Trebbiano d’Abruzzo DOC 2020 © Spaswinefood

6. Rabottini, Trebbiano d’Abruzzo DOC 2018

Rabottini, Trebbiano d’Abruzzo DOC 2018 © Spaswinefood

Rabottini, Trebbiano d’Abruzzo DOC 2018 © Spaswinefood

These six wines and their food pairings were an excellent introduction to Trebbiano d’Abruzzo DOC wines.

Tasting Trebbiano d’Abruzzo DOC Wines, #WMC22 © Spaswinefood

Let me not forget to note that all the wines were paired with delicious food.

Food Pairings for  Trebbiano d’Abruzzo DOC Wines © Spaswinefood

Food Pairings & Trebbiano d’Abruzzo DOC Wines © Spaswinefood

During my recent wine travels in Italy I had hoped to visit Abruzzo. It has been on my list since my first introduction to Abruzzo. The Charming Taste of Europe presented Wines of Abruzzo at #WMC21. That session on Pecorino certainly inspired me to make plans to visit Abruzzo. Indeed both Trebbiano d’Abruzzo and Pecorino are wines I want to get to know further! I have yet to taste Abruzzo Rosé wines however, this recent article on rosé wines has peaked my interest.

Abruzzo DOC Pecorino Wines, #WMC21 © Spaswinefood

If you have yet to discover Abruzzo's wines please do. Wine travelers to this region might like to know there is an Abruzzo App to help plan your travels. You should also check out sources, such as Abruzzo's scenic towns. You will find the Consorzio on Instagram and Facebook!  I invite you to join me in Italy and elsewhere in the sharing of these adventures at Wine Travels with Dr. Sharon and at Spaswinefood  on  Twitter and Facebook. 

CHEERS!!

Sharon

Lake Garda, Italy

October 2022

© Spaswinefood

Trebbiano d’Abruzzo DOC Wines © Spaswinefood

The Charming Taste of Europe, Abruzzo Session #WMC21 © Spaswinefood

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NOTE: Abruzzo Wines is part of the mission of The Charming Taste of Europe, co-funded by the European Union. Its promotional activities are focused on increasing the awareness of the merits and quality standards of select European wines and fresh fruits in the competitive markets of the United States of America and Canada. The project includes promoting the Consortium for the Protection of Wines of Abruzzo. These superb high quality Italian wines are produced with the artistry of agricultural traditions. Hence this campaign will awaken the senses and a new culinary consciousness by connecting food, cultures, and territories by bringing European charm into the lives of many.

Taking a peek into red wine heaven: Lunch with Bertani Wines

When your wine travels take you to a wine conference in Italy then you know you will be spoiled big time! Such was the case when we attended a lunch sponsored by Bertani. Cantine Bertani, established in 1857, is dedicated to continuing a wine tradition that they have perfected for over 150 years. Bertani is considered to be a benchmark for Veneto winemaking, and an icon for its authentic Amarone. Please join us virtually as we share Lunch with Bertani Wines.

Lunch with Bertani Wines © Spaswinefood

Lunch with Bertani Wines

We joined Bertani's Andrea Lonardi, Director of Operations and Winemaking over lunch at #WMC22. During lunch there was a special tasting featuring three wines from Bertani’s portfolio. This included its fagship wine, Amarone Della Valpolicella Classico DOCG. Amarone is an Italian wine treasure. Given that genuine Amarone takes patience and respect, Bertani exemplifies this. It was special to taste and learn from Andrea Lonardi, about Bertani’s wine tradition. Bertani has been faithful to its roots while looking to the future however, never compromising its standards. 

Now let's take a look at the wines.

Bertani Wines © Spaswinefood

Tasting Bertani Wines © Spaswinefood

Bertani Wines Tasted © Spaswinefood

The Bertani wines that we tasted, over lunch, from left to right, were:

1. Valpolicella DOC 2021

NOTE: Valpolicella is a blend of Covina Veronese and Rodinella. In the case of the Valpolicella region permitted grapes, Corvina Veronese is mandatory, with other grapes typically including Rodinella, and Molinara.

2. Valpolicella Ripasso DOC 2020

NOTE: Ripasso wine is produced by putting Valpolicella through a second fermentation by adding the skins remaining from Amarone and Recioto production. This process adds complexity, tannin, body, and slightly higher alcohol to the wine. This wine is often referred to as a Baby Amarone.

3. Amarone Della Valpolicella Classico DOCG 2011

NOTE: Amarone wines are made using the appassimento technique. During this process, the grapes are partially dried, gently pressed, and slowly fermented. The wines spend at least two years maturing in wood.

Yes, to being spoiled with Bertani wines! Whether it is a Valpolicella, a Valpolicella Ripasso, or  a Amarone Della Valpolicella Classico in the glass these are great wines. Of course, it is hard to not favor the 2011 Amarone Della Valpolicella Classico DOCG.

Lunch Menu

We enjoyed the above wines with the following dishes:

Antipasti: Mozzarella di bufala con bruschetta al pomodoro fresco e olive (Buffalo mozzarella and bruschetta with fresh tomato and olives)

Mozzarella di bufala con bruschetta al pomodoro fresco e olive © Spaswinefood

Primi: Risotto ai frutti di mare (Risotto with seafood)

Risotto ai frutti di mare © Spaswinefood

Secondi: Sliced beef steak with butter “Cafè de Paris” and potatoes

Sliced beef steak with butter “Cafè de Paris” and potatoes © Spaswinefood

The Veggie Option

The Veggie Option © Spaswinefood

Bertani wines are top tier world class wines. For sure there are days when we wish we could relive this experience. The good news is their wines are available in US through Taub Family Selections. We so look forward to sharing more about our vine-filled explorations in Italy. Join us in our wine travels in Italy at Wine Travels with Dr. Sharon, and at Spaswinefood on Twitter and Facebook. 

CHEERS!

Sharon & John

October 2022

Lake Garda, Lombardy 

© Spaswinefood

Thanks Bertani © Spaswinefood

Oltrepò Pavese: One of Italy's wine country gems

We had crossed the Po River into Oltrepò Pavese, and then later as we drove over a foothill's mountain crest, seeing the valley below I knew we had come to a very special place. Oltrepò Pavese is an area often neglected by tourists and winelovers; this is despite its natural beautiful and being so authentic. As guests of the Consorzio Tutela Vini Oltrepò Pavese, Pavia Province we would discover this region's wines over the next two days.

Oltrepò Pavese, Lombardy © Spaswinefood

Pavia Province's Oltrepò Pavese is home to stunning landscape. While north of the Po River is characterized by plains, to the south of the river, the hills and mountains, make it ideal for grape cultivation.

Welcome to Oltrepò Pavese, Castillo Di Luzzano © Spaswinefood

Welcome to Lombardy's Oltrepò Pavese 

A large and geographically complex region, Lombardy has 5 DOCGs, 21 DOCs and 15 IGPs titles. Lombardy's home to handful of popular and well-known wine styles including the bright, cherry-scented Valtellina, Franciacorta sparkling wines, and Oltrepò Pavese Metodo Classico. The Oltrepò Pavese stands out among these as one of the larger regions, known not only for its sparkling Oltrepò Pavese Metodo Classico DOCG, but for its other wines. During our visit to Oltrepò Pavese we would be introduced to these wines.

Oltrepò Pavese Wine Country © Spaswinefood

There is a long tradition of wine making in Oltrepò Pavese. Given that its wine making history is at least 2000 years old, there is much to say; however the focus of this post will be on our overall wine discoveries. Let's begin by focusing on the grape varieties grown, the styles of wines produced, and it's DOC’s and DOCG’s. 

1. Pinot Nero (Pinot Noir) is the major grape variety and it is used to make excellent sparkling wines and still red wines. The region is best know for its Oltrepò Pavese Metodo Classico DOCG, with Cruase being its flagship wine. The list includes: Oltrepò Pavese Metodo Classico DOCG, Oltrepò Pavese Metodo Classico Cruase DOCG, and Pinot Nero Della’ Oltrepò Pavese DOC.

During our two day visit over cheese and meat platters, lunch, or dinner we would be introduced to many excellent wines. Let's start with the sparkling wines. When we visited La Versa, a wine cooperative, we were introduced to a fabulous lineup of sparkling wines.

La Versa, Sparkling Wines

La Versa's Sparkling Wines, Oltrepò Pavese © Spaswinefood

After this impressive tasting we would continue to be introduced Oltrepò Pavese Pinot Noir sparkling wines.

Oltrepò Pavese Metodo Classico DOCG

CA' Di FrarA, Pinot Nero Oltrepò Pavese Metodo Classico DOCG 

CA' Di FrarA, Pinot Nero, Oltrepò Pavese Metodo Classico DOCG © Spaswinefood

When we arrived at CA' Di FrarA Winery we were greeted by the owner.

Welcome to CA' Di FrarA Winery © Spaswinefood

She took us on a brief trip to the vineyards before wine tasting.

CA' Di FrarA Vineyard © Spaswinefood

Our two day visit was filled with so many excellent sparkling wines. Torti Wines, Casaleggio was one of those.

Torti Vineyard, Casaleggio © Spaswinefood

Torti Wines produces DOC and DOCG wines and sparkling wines. We concluded our visit to this family winery with a special bottle of sparking wine. Yes, a Gran Carisma DOCG Pinot Nero Metodo Classico Dino Torti. 

Dino and Daughter, Torti Winery © Spaswinefood

Dino Torti, Gran Carisma Pinot Nero Metodo Classico DOCG © Spaswinefood

This is a winery that knows how to host visitors.

Chandelier Moment, Torti Winery © Spaswinefood

The Torti family are fabulous hosts.

When we visited Frecciarossa Winery we fell under the spell of this amazing place and its wines.

Welcome to Frecciarossa © Spaswinefood

We had a fabulous visit getting to know their wines.

Frecciarossa, Extra Brut Rosé Vino Spumante Metodo Classico Oltrepò Pavese DOC 2019

Extra Brut Rosé Vino Spumante Metodo Classico Oltrepò Pavese DOC 2019 © Spaswinefood

Extra Brut Rosé Vino Spumante Metodo Classico Oltrepò Pavese © Spaswinefood

This wine we enjoyed at the beginning lunch. Over lunch were introduced to more of Frecciarossa's excellent wines.

Lunch at Frecciarossa © Spaswinefood

Before leaving we took a walk around this stunning  property.

 Vineyard Views, Frecciarossa © Spaswinefood

Oltrepò Pavese Metodo Classico Cruase DOCG,

Dinner was a great way to meet producers whose wineries we could not visit.

Oltrepò Pavese Wine Producers © Spaswinefood

One of the wines served at the first dinner was a Cruase. 

La Travaglina, Julillae Cruase Metodo Classico Brut DOCG

La Travaglina Julillae Cruase Metodo Classico Brut DOCG © Spaswinefood

Our first Oltrepò Pavese winery visit was Castillo Di Luzzano where we took in the valley views, did a wine tasting at the castle, followed by the most delicious lunch.

Lunch, Castillo Di Luzzano © Spaswinefood

We were introduced to their sparkling and still Pinot Nero wines. Let's take a look at a few still wines.

Pinot Nero Della’ Oltrepò Pavese DOC

There were two Pinot Nero still wines served during lunch.

Castello di Luzzano, Pinot Nero Della’ Oltrepò Pavese DOC 2018

Castello di Luzzano, Pinot Nero Della’ Oltrepò Pavese DOC 2018 © Spaswinefood

The last wine was a special Pinot Nero Della’ Oltrepò Pavese DOC 2006 that our host selected from the cellar.

Castello di Luzzano, Pinot Nero Della’ Oltrepò Pavese DOC 2006

Castello di Luzzano, Pinot Nero Della’ Oltrepò Pavese DOC 2006 © Spaswinefood

Yes, the dessert was a great pairing for this Pinot Nero Della’ Oltrepò Pavese DOC 2006.

Dessert at its BEST © Spaswinefood

Over the two days we would encounter a number of Pinot Nero Della’ Oltrepò Pavese DOC wines. 

We were introduced to three  Pinot Nero Della’ Oltrepò Pavese DOC wines at Conte Vistarino.

Conte Vistarino (Tenuta di Rocca de Giorgi) Pinot Nero Pernice Della’ Oltrepò Pavese DOC 2018

Conte Vistarino, Pinot Nero Pernice Della’ Oltrepò Pavese DOC 2018 © Spaswinefood

This was one of the three Pinot Nero wines, from three different vineyards which, we tasted at Conte Vistarino, Tenuta di Rocca De' Giorgi.

Conte Vistarino, Pinot Nero Pernice Della’ Oltrepò Pavese DOC 2018 Wines © Spaswinefood

A beautiful way to begin our second day was at Castello Stefanago. Here we climbed to the top of the castle to take in the stunning views. It was followed by an excellent wine tasting. 

Castello di Stefanago, Oltrepò Pavese © Spaswinefood

The wine tasting was an awesome line of wines. Amongst the wines was an Oltrepò Pavese Pinot Nero DOC.

Castello di Stefanago, Oltrepò Pavese Pinot Nero DOC

Castello di Stefanago, Pinot Nero © Spaswinefood

The above wines are examples of some of the Oltrepò Pavese Metodo Classico DOCG, Oltrepò Pavese Metodo Classico Cruase DOCG sparkling wines, and Pinot Nero Della’ Oltrepò Pavese DOC still wines we tasted.

2. Bonarda wine is made from the Coatina grapes (85-100%), with other grape varieties being Barbera, Uva Rara, and Ughetta (to a maximum of 15%). It is produced as a Bonarda Dell’ Oltrepò Pavese DOC.

Two the  Bonarda Dell’ Oltrepò Pavese DOC wines we tasted during dinner on the second evening follows:

Bonarda Vino Firma, Dell’ Oltrepò Pavese DOC

Bonarda Vino Firma, Dell’ Oltrepò Pavese DOC © Spaswinefood

Bonarda dell’Oltrepò Pavese “Vigna del Povrömme” DOC 

Bonarda dell’Oltrepò Pavese “Vigna del Povrömme” DOC  © Spaswinefood

3. Barbera wine is made from Barbera grapes (85-100%) and other varietals to a maximum of 15%.  It is produced as a Oltrepò Pavese Barbera DOC. Now an example of one of these Barbera wines.

Tenute Travaglino, Barbera Campo Dei Ciliegi Oltrepò Pavese DOC 2018

Tenute Travaglino, Barbera Campo Dei Ciliegi Oltrepò Pavese DOC 2018 © Spaswinefood

4. Oltrepò Pavese red wines (Rosso) produced from a blend of Croatina (25-65%), Barbera (25-65%) and other varietials (Uva Rara, Ughetta and Pinot Nero) to maximum of 45%. These wines are produced as a Oltrepò Pavese Rosso DOC.

Oltrepò Pavese Rosso DOC

Tenute Travaglino, Mercantonio Oltrepò Pavese Rosso Riserva DOC 2019

Tenute Travaglino, Mercantonio Oltrepò Pavese Rosso Riserva DOC 2019 © Spaswinefood

5. Riesling wines are produced from Riesling Italico and Riesling Renano grapes. They are produced in both still (two versions: Superiore and Riserva with 24 months of bottle aging), and sparkling styles (Frizzante and Spumante Metodo Martinolti). It is produced as a Oltrepò Pavese Riesling DOC.

Over our two day visit we tasted many excellent sparkling Riesling wines.

Frecciarossa, Gli Orti Riesling, Oltrepò Pavese DOC 2020

Frecciarossa, Gli Orti Riesling, Oltrepò Pavese DOC 2020 © Spaswinefood

We would also like to note the following two other Oltrepò Pavese DOC wines (Sangue Di Giuda and   Moscato) produced:

6. An Oltrepò Pavese Sangue Di Giuda wine from small area (the municipalities of Bosnasco, Montu Beccaria, Pieta de Giorgi and Cigonola) is made from Croatina (25-65%), Barbera (25-65%) and other grape varietials (Uva Rara, Ughetta and Pinot Nero, to maximum of 45%). This wine is only made in the Vivace (light sparkling), Frizzante (semi-sparkling), and Spumante (sparkling) styles. It is produced as a Sangue Di Giuda Dell’ Oltrepò Pavese DOC.

7. A Moscato wine produced from Moscato Bianco, with a minimum of 85% of this grape variety. The Volpara area is well suited for producing this wine. It is made in the Vivace (light sparkling), Frizzante (semi-sparkling), and Spumante (sparkling) styles. It is produced as a Oltrepò Pavese Moscato DOC.

While in Oltrepò Pavese we also tasted some wines that were not DOC's Or DOCG's, such as the following example, a Pinot Grigio. 

 CA' Di FrarA, Pinot Grigio Oltrepò Pavese DOP 2021

CA' Di FrarA, Pinot Grigio Oltrepò Pavese DOP 2021 © Spaswinefood

CA' Di FrarA, Pinot Grigio Oltrepò Pavese DOP 2021 © Spaswinefood

In conclusion Oltrepò Pavese is an Italian wine country gem. Throughout our Oltrepò Pavese wine travels we were greeted by winery owners at the winery, or over evening dinner in some cases. Then, there were those special times when we toured the winery, and/or the vineyard. We left the Oltrepò Pavese wine region with stunning visual images etched into our wine travel memories. Here are but two of those!

Oltrepò Pavese to the Alps, Castello di Stefanago © Spaswinefood

Towns of Oltrepò Pavese © Spaswinefood

Oltrepò Pavese is one of Italy's best kept secrets. Travelers will be impressed by the charm of Oltrepò Pavese towns and its wineries. Oltrepò Pavese wines are top tier world class wines. We so look forward to sharing more on our vine-filled explorations in Lombardy's Oltrepò Pavese. We invite you to join us in our wine travels in Italy at Wine Travels with Dr. Sharon, and at Spaswinefood on Twitter and Facebook. 

CHEERS!

Sharon & John

October 2022

Oltrepò Pavese, Lombardy 

© Spaswinefood

Post-Con Kick-off, Castello Di Luzzano, Oltrepò Pavese © Spaswinefood