2022 Francesco Pasetti ‘Contesa’ Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo

100% Montepulciano. But if you only know Montepulciano from its burly red wine alter ego, prepare for a delightful shock. This grape, with its naturally high levels of anthocyanins (those are the pigments responsible for deep color), is perfectly suited to this in-between style. The key is timing. Grapes are picked a bit earlier—before sugars climb too high and acidity drops. Then they spend a whisper of time on their skins- about 12-18 hours—just enough to stain the juice that signature electric cherry-red but not enough to build the heavy tannin structure of a red. It’s a tightrope act, and when it’s done well—as Pasetti nails it—it yields a wine that hums with energy: juicy, vibrant, and just textured enough to keep things interesting.

Brace yourself—the color alone is a showstopper. Vivid ruby-pink, like liquid gemstones in the glass. The nose explodes with wild strawberry, pomegranate, sour cherry, and watermelon rind, chased by hints of blood orange, sage, and a salty, crushed-stone minerality. On the palate? Pure energy. Juicy red fruits flood the mouth—think maraschino cherry (the real kind, not the neon ones), raspberry coulis, and a splash of cranberry. A snap of citrus acidity keeps it electric, while a subtle savory note—like dried herbs or sun-warmed terracotta—adds depth. The finish is clean, mouthwatering, and impossibly moreish.

The Pasetti family is Abruzzo royalty. Their story begins five generations ago in the mountain village of Castiglione a Casauria, where winemaking was woven into daily life—not a business, but a birthright. But it’s Francesco Pasetti, the ginger-haired (yes, literally) rebel of the clan, who transformed this humble legacy into a modern force. Francesco broke with the playbook most Abruzzo producers followed. While others cranked out supermarket Montepulciano by the tanker load, he looked upward—toward the mountains of Gran Sasso and the wild, windswept vineyards that offered altitude, freshness, and a shot at making wines with real character. His wines aren’t about scale. They’re about soul. About preserving local identity, championing native grapes, and crafting wines that aren’t just drinkable but deeply memorable.