Zaccagnini Villa Vescovi 1997
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Established in the early 1970’s in Bolognano, located in the heart of Abruzzo at the base of Gran Sasso – the highest mountain in the Apienne range, Marcello Zaccagnini’s philosophy has always been tied to the land. The estate’s vineyards are organically farmed, but not certified, as they occasionally have to purchase fruit from other growers due to weather conditions and/or increased demand, and cannot guarantee that those grapes are farmed organically.
Their slogan, “Wine, art of man”, comes from their work with the world renowned naturalist artist, Josef Beuys - an early proponent of sustainability - and his work on “Defense of Nature”. The tralcetto (stick) is an actual grapevine cutting from the vineyards that is cut and tied by hand onto each bottle, representing the connection between the wine and the land. Zaccagnini’s mission is to invest in and promote the culture of the people, environment and wine-making processes that represent the values of Abruzzo, as well as making the winery a cultural hub for artists, musicians, scholars and wine enthusiasts. Marcello has accumulated a world class art and sculpture collection that is on public display in the winery, as well as in the vineyards, and supports many art festivals throughout the year.
Italian Red Wine
While picturesque hillsides, endless coastlines and a favorable climate serve to unify the grape-growing culture of this country. The apparent never-ending world of indigenous grape varieties gives Italy an unexampled charm and allure for its red wines. From the steep inclines of the Alps to the sprawling, warm, coastal plains of the south, red grape varieties thrive throughout.
The kings of Italy, wines like Barolo and Barbaresco (made of Nebbiolo), and Chianti and Brunello di Montalcino (made of Sangiovese), as well as Amarone (mostly Corvina), play center stage for the most lauded, collected and cellar-worthy reds. Less popular but entirely deserving of as much praise are the wines made from Aglianico, Sagrantino and Nerello Mascalese.
For those accustomed to drinking New World reds, the south is the place to start. Grapes like Negroamaro or Primitvo from Puglia and Nero d’Avola from Sicily make soft, ammicable, full-bodied, fruit-dominant wines. Curious palates should be on the lookout for Cannonau (Grenache), Lagrein, Teroldego, Ruché, Freisa, Cesanese, Schiopettino, Rossese and Gaglioppo to name a few.