Stunning Abruzzo Whites And A Red From Italy's Ciavolich

Here's a bold assertion: some of the most exciting wines of Italy's Abruzzo region are made by...Bulgarians! In fairness, the Ciavolich family has been in Abruzzo since 1560 and making classic red and - especially - white wines there since 1853. Production is tiny and the wines hard to find, so Friday's tasting featuring five Ciavolich bottlings is a rare and special treat. Join us from 3 to 7pm Friday and try:

Ciavolich Pecorino Terre d'Abruzzo Aries 2024 - Made in the "modern" style of clean whites, this is savory, salty, herbal Pecorino with an exciting blend of richness and vivid acidity.

Ciavolich Trebbiano d'Abruzzo Fosso Canceli 2022 - The Fosso Canceli wines are made the old way with spontaneous ferments in old oak, terra cotta and concrete. As Vinous says in the 93 point rave, this "seduces from the first tilt of the glass with a smoky reduction and minerally intense mix of crushed rocks, musky apricots and lemon zest."

Ciavolich Pecorino d'Abruzzo Fosso Cancelli 2022 - Stunning. As Vinous writes, it shows "nuances of savory herbs, wildflowers and crushed green apples" and "leaves a lemony concentration that puckers the cheeks, along with a salty flourish through the long, potent finish."

Ciavolich Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo Fosso Cancelli 2022 - A pink wine, but hardly a rose! All Montepulciano that, as Vinous says, is "round, verging on fleshy yet not entirely, with masses of mineral-tinged red berries perfectly offset by zesty citrus tones."

Ciavolich Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Fosso Cancelli 2019 - Wow, what a wine! As Vinous writes, it delivers "a blend of cherry and plum sauce, balsamic spices and dried citrus. It's velvety in texture with fleshy red berry fruits and sweet exotic spice. The complexity here is off the charts."

You really don't want to miss these Italian rarities that are so delicious now you'll struggle to give them the cellar time that will reward you even more. And although it's French, Jose's choice of Herve Mons 30 months Comte to sample this week will complement the wines beautifully. Come take a break from the growing holiday season madness on Friday and slow down and savor some stunning Italian gems!

More information:
https://www.cbcwine.com