2021 Ciavolich Cerasuolo di Abruzzo

 Ciavolich family is an old family of wool merchants of Bulgarian origins who, to escape the advance of the Saracen invasion, took refuge in Italy in the town of Miglianico, in the province of Chieti around 1560. In 1853 Francesco Ciavolich built in Miglianico, opposite his private residence, the first winery of the family. At the end of the 19th century an important marriage between Giuseppe Ciavolich and the noblewoman Ernesta Vicini from Loreto Aprutino marked the future path of the winery on Loreto Aprutino’s side.

Loreto Aprutino is currently the only “Grand Cru” zone for Abruzzo, otherwise the entire region is a DOC- something we will see change in the course of 10 years as the producers and consortium promote artisanal wine production from specific areas.

Chiara Ciavolich takes pride in her family’s roots and long standing presence in Italy, but she is an innovator- constantly experimenting with different fermentation vessels and techniques.

The Cerasuolo d’ Abruzzo is a classic wine of the Abruzzo and at the very least,  the wine should be dark pink if not a slightly tannic light red. Many bulk wine producers are making a Cerasuolo to fit the light pink preferences of the foreign palate (you will see these versions in the grocery store), but it’s a pity…because this wine is tremendous and powerful! And so characterful and versatile- a cherry jolly rancher meets a smoky sage, a hint of tannin- it’s perfect for an evening filled with all kinds of food and flavors, like Thanksgiving!