Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo: Italy's most versatile wine?

Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo, introduced in 2010 as Italy’s first DOC for rosé, is known for its refreshing character and distinctive presence in both coastal and mountainous areas. Named after ‘cerasa’ (cherry) in the local dialect, it is a wine crafted from the deeply coloured Montepulciano grape. The wine’s palette of colour varies from cherry pink to pale red, depending on skin contact during maceration – from 1 to 12 hours. This results in wines that can be delicate and fruity or robust and textured, a style that bridges the gap between the region’s white and red wines.

Adaptable styles, rooted in Abruzzo’s cuisine

Cerasuolo has seen renewed interest due to the rising popularity of darker rosés and pale reds corresponding to the contemporary trend for lighter wines. Whether labelled as a ‘serious light red’ or ‘cherry pink rosé’, the wines may differ in appearance, but, according to Davide Acerra, marketing manager at Consorzio Tutela Vini d’Abruzzo, the thread that ties them together is gastronomy.

‘Cerasuolo is deeply rooted in Abruzzo’s cuisine’ according to Acerra. A cult favourite amongst locals and winemakers, the rest of the world are now discovering this multifaceted wine. Easy to enjoy as an aperitif or with a main meal due to its fruity nature and sinewy texture, Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo pairs well with a wide range of cuisines such as barbecue, fish, salads, fusion dishes, Korean food, curry, and ceviche.

Shades of pink

A recent tasting showcased the spectrum of colours characteristic of Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo, ranging from light cherry pink examples noted for their freshness, vibrancy and fruit, ideal to drink on their own, to deeper pink and light reds demonstrating complexity, structure and subtle nuances that pair well with more robust dishes.

With many organic-certified wineries, the category offers a range of styles to suit everyone; from health-conscious consumers to those seeking an everyday wine or more refined choices for special occasions.

A selection of Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo wines to try:

Cirelli, Anfora, Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo DOC 2024

95pts

Azienda Cirelli makes two different Cerasuolos: one is a classic expression, made in concrete, and this version in amphora, hence the pale brick red colour. Fragrant with notes of sage, rosemary, dried cranberries and orange peel. Phenolic edge, lots of energy and freshness. Savoury finish. Alc 13.5%

Masciarelli, Villa Gemma, Terre di Chieti, Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo DOC Superiore 2025

95pts

Established in 1981, Masciarelli is a leader in modern wine production in Abruzzo. Made in the traditional style, 12 hours of skin contact make it rich and powerful. Soft tannins balanced with hints of red cherries, underpinned with a savoury edge. Alc 14%

Pasetti, Testarossa, Terre Aquilane, Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo DOP Superiore 2025

95pts

More like a light red wine, Testarossa is sourced from vineyards located at 450m altitude. Pale ruby. Vibrant blue and red berry character with a dried herb note. Light tannins, crisp acidity, good concentration of fruit. A hint of anise on the finish. Alc 14%

Nicodemi, Le Murate. Colline Teramane, Montepulciano d’Abruzzo DOC Superiore 2025

93pts

Bright red-ruby. A bouquet of Maraschino cherries with floral overtones. More weight and glycerol in the mouth giving sweet character and mouthwatering acidity. From the Colline Teramane subregion, made from a special selection at harvest. Alc 13.5%

Il Feuduccio, Feuduccio Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo DOC 2025

92pts

Founded by Gaetano Lamaletto and his wife, Il Feuduccio’s vines are planted on the slopes of Mount Maiella, helping maintain freshness. A tinge of orange to the pink colour. Ripe berry compote, wild strawberries and a hint of pepper. Fresh, rounded and textured. Alc 12.5%

Marramiero, Colle Sant’Andrea Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo, DOC 2025

92pts

Pale violet colour. Tactile tannins underpinned with acidity. Fleshy with good fruit concentration and a lingering peppery finish. Part of Marramiero’s Classica range, which aims to represent the authenticity of Abruzzo wines. Alc 13.5%

Rabottini, A Salire, Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo DOC 2022

92pts

An older example of Cerasuolo from this organic-focused winery. Pale red-garnet. Fragrant dried herbs, mushroom, a touch of red cherry leading to notes of pepper. Still some concentration on the palate despite age. Tannins provide structure and texture. Alc 16%

Cantina Colle Moro, Mila, Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo DOP 2025

91pts

Perfumed with red berries and apple blossom. Light and lively with a good fruit core. The Mila label from Cantina Colle Moro undergoes a short maceration in order to achieve its bright pink colour and structure. Alc 13%

Cataldi Madonna, Malandrino, Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo DOC 2025

91pts

Sage, basil mixed with raspberries and redcurrants. Lots of structure in the mouth with texture and roundness, and a lingering finish. This small family winery is located high in the plains near L’Aquila. Founded in 1920 by Antonio Cataldi Madonna, the winery is now run by son Luigi. Alc 13%

Contesa, Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo DOC 2025

91pts

An organic wine from Contesa, whose focus is to express the best wines from the native grapes in the region. This version of Cerasuolo is bright pink, with ripe red plums, blood orange and a hint of fennel. Rounded acidity with some texture on the palate and a good finish. Alc 13%

Faraone, Le Vigne di Faraone, Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo DOC 2025

91pts

Azienda Faraone makes this traditional version of Cerasuolo. The grapes spend more than 30 hours on the skins, giving it a light red colour and a notable plummy fruit character. Hint of dried herbs with soft tannins backed by zesty acidity and good fruit concentration. Alc 14.5%

San Lorenzo, Casabianca, Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo DOC 2025

91pts

A premium selection from Azienda San Lorenzo, who have been in the region for five generations. Pale salmon colour. Ripe stone fruit and tangerine on the nose and palate. Weight and concentration on the palate, with a touch of phenolics giving it a lingering, herbal finish. Alc 12.5%

Talamonti, Rosè, Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo DOC 2025

91pts

Very modern version of Cerasuolo from Talamonti, with its pale pink colour pointing to limited time on the skins. Aromatic with a hint of orange blossom. Wild strawberries, redcurrants and sour plums on both the nose and palate. Delicate and fresh in the mouth. Alc 13.5%

Vignamadre, Capo le Vigne, Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo DOP 2025

91pts

Famiglia Di Carlo are pioneers of organic farming, making different styles of Cerasuolo. This is from their historic vineyards. Good intensity of fruit, nuances of plum jam tart cranberries mingled with a hint of black pepper. Succulent. Alc 13.5%

All wines were tasted non-blind and supplied to Decanter to feature in paid-for content. Tasting was carried out at Vinitaly, Verona in early April 2026.

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