Fratelli Cozza – Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

Winery: Fratelli Cozza
Category: Red Wine
Type: Montepulciano
Region: Abruzzo
Grapes: 85% Montepulciano. 15% Sangiovese.
Vinification: Macerated using the ‘pump over’ technique. Fermented in Stainless steel tanks for 10 days. Aged in stainless steel tanks for 20 months. Bottled, and aged for 6 months.
‘Pump Over’ Technique –

  • This technique ‘pumps’ wine from the bottom of the tank to cool the cap and homogenize the temperature within the tank, resulting in less extraction than the standard ‘punching down,’ and is beneficial for more delicate varieties.
Color: Intense ruby-red with violet hues.
Bouquet: Aromas of pepper and spice, giving the nose a rustic charm.
Palate: Flavors of black fruit with earth notes are present on the mid-palate, leading to a persistent finish.
Pairing: This wine pairs well with beef, pasta, veal, venison, pork, roasted vegetables, and cheeses.
Serving Temperature: 61°F – 64°F.

About the Abruzzo Region:

Location: Central Italy, Southeast
Notable Reds: Montepulciano and Sangiovese
Notable Whites: Trebbiano

Winemaking traditions in Abruzzo date back to the sixth century BC thanks to the Etruscans, who played a major role in introducing viniculture to the area. At that time Abruzzo’s vineyards were generally focused around the Peligna valley in the province of L’Aquila.

However, there is evidence that vine growing goes back as far as the fourth century BC, when a sweet, Moscato-style grape called Apianae was grown. It is also believed that when Hannibal made his epic journey over the Alps, his soldiers were given Abruzzo wine from Teramo (historically known as Pretuzi).

The region is one of Italy’s most mountainous with more than 65% of all Abruzzo being considered mountainous terrain, reaching up to 9,000 ft above sea level. The hillside vineyards, particularly in the northern areas, are planted on calcareous clay and benefit from warm and significant sun exposure, ventilated by dry breezes from the Adriatic Sea.