Gran Sasso, Montepulciano d'Abruzzo

The Gran Sasso wines are part of the Fantini group, which was founded in 1994 by Valentino Sciotti with the aim of producing top-quality wine from Abruzzo. The project is named after the highest mountain of the Apennines that protects the regions vines from westerly weather systems. Combined with breezes from the nearby Adriatic Sea and soils ranging from clay marl, sand and limestone on the slopes, to gravel and alluvial stones on the plains, this singular microclimate is key to achieving remarkable quality fruit. The Gran Sasso wines are made by winemakers Rino Santeusanio and Francesco De Santis, with input from acclaimed consultant Alberto Antonini. Together, they create wines with a freshness and vivacity that sets them apart from many in this area.

The team work closely with their growers to produce a deep-coloured, clean and plummy young Montepulciano, as well as their ‘Riserva’ style ‘Alta Quota’ Montepulciano d‘Abruzzo Colline Teramane DOCG, which hails from a zone in the northern part of Abruzzo renowned for the quality of its wine. For the Trebbiano, Gran Sasso source grapes grown in the cooler areas of the Apennine foothills, fermented at low temperatures. The Pecorino is apparently named after the resemblance that the bunch of grapes bears to a sheep’s head. A relatively rare variety, there are only 300 hectares planted in Abruzzo and Le Marche.