Federico Faraone’s family has been growing Montepulciano and Sangiovese since the 1930s. Their vines are planted on the slopes outside Mosciano Sant’Angelo, just 10 kilometers from the Adriatic Sea and in the Colline Terramane district, considered Abruzzo’s finest terroir. The winery is best known for their deep rooted, earthy Montepulcianos, but this Cerasuolo is proof that there is a sunny side to Abruzzo’s red wines. To get the glowing ruby red color, Federico puts the grapes in the press, but before he turns it on, the weight of the grapes presses out “free run juice” for 48 hours, thus, only the most delicate grapes contribute to the wine. This is considered the most “noble” part of the press, and when it’s bottled pure there’s nothing else like it. Aromas of fresh red cherry, cranberry, and gooseberry; oregano, lavender and lovage. The palate is zesty fresh and packed from ear to ear with fresh red berries. The texture is full and bouncy with a satisfying crunch of acidity, and the finish is positively refreshing. Take this charmer out for the first picnics of spring, or with any well-stocked charcuterie board.