Blog: Zaccagnini | Abruzzo

The wine, art of man. This motto sums up the philosophy of the winery, based on the combination between wine and art: these are two forms of eternal pleasure that reveal life by unveiling its secrets. The love for art of the Zaccagnini Winery is evident in the promotion of and participation in various events in this field. The first memorable art event took place in 1984 with the presentation of the project 'Difesa della Natura' ('Protection of Nature') by the world-famous artist Joseph Beuys. Later, the winery has promoted numerous art events, including 'Un fiore per Ivan' ('A Flower for Ivan') and 'Pigro, cantautori in vigna' ('Pigro, Songwriter in the Vineyards') in tribute to the Italian songwriter Ivan Graziani, the 'Biennale d Arte Sacra' ('Biennale of Religious Art') and 'Fuori Uso' (literally 'Out of Order'). The winery also hosts the 'Uvarte' event, in which many important artists participate, whose works become the central element on the labels of a special range reserved for collectors.

The Montepulciano d' Abruzzo is produced in the wine-growing zone of four provinces: Chieti, L'Aquila, Pescara and Teramo. It is mainly produced with Montepulciano grapes (85-100%) and some Sangiovese grapes (up to 15%). Montepulciano is always of a strong cherry color with violet-red reflections. Its rather restrained fragrance is vinous and subtle. The taste is dry and full-bodied, slightly tannic and, after prolonged aging, soft, fine and balanced. Abruzzo is a hilly and sometimes wildly romantic mountain landscape. The sunlit vineyards extend from the inland to the Adriatic Sea. By Italian standards, Abruzzo's wine production is relatively high at 5%. Some area cooperatives have a considerable production volume, 15-16 million bottles a year are not uncommon. Montepulciano d'Abruzzo is often confused with the wine from the Tuscan town of the same name, Montepulciano, near Siena. The Vino Nobile di Montepulciano is a prestigious red wine, but it is made from a variety of Tuscan Sangiovese. - Gerardo [TS05/23]