Ciavolich Awards

90 - ARIES PECORINO IGT 2018

There’s a pretty herbal lift of green paprika to this white, as well as juniper berries that highlight aromas of dust, citrus and loquat. Medium-bodied and quite racy on the palate with lemongrass undertones. Drink now.

91- DONNA ERNESTINA PASSERINA IGT 2018

Preserved lemons, limes and green apples come to the surface. Medium body, crunchy acidity and finely tuned green apples. Drink now.

91- FOSSO CERASUOLO D'ABRUZZO 2018

This is a pretty Cerasuolo with rose petals, orange rind and lemons. Medium-bodied, zesty and bright with plenty of colorful red fruit. Drink now.

92 - DIVUS MONTEPULCIANO D'ABRUZZO DOC 2016

Black raspberries, citrus, licorice and bilberries make for a beautiful nose. While the medium-bodied palate certainly isn’t the most concentrated for Abruzzo, it is all about elegance, purity and finesse. Drink now.

90 - ANTRUM MONTEPULCIANO D'ABRUZZO DOC 2012

Sourced from vineyards in Loreto Aprutino, this red offers bright blackberry and cherry aromas that are underscored by nuances of crushed granite and spice. The medium-bodied palate is driven by tart berries and pointed acidity, with fine, mouthcoating tannins providing a counterbalance

90 - DIVUS MONTEPULCIANO D'ABRUZZO DOC 2015

There's nice lift to the nose, displaying bright cherry, peppercorn and delicate flowers. It is smooth on the entry to the palate, yet a tangy energy quickly takes over and crunchy berry fruits envelop accents of tobacco and savory spices. The use of older barrels has given this wine a delicate oak-tinged edge that melds nicely with the crisp berry fruit.

91 - PECORINO IGT 2017

Sourced from pergola-trained vines planted in 2000, nearly half of this Pecorino is fermented in stainless steel, with the remainder fermented in used barrels. Tones of ripe pineapple and melon seamlessly meld with fresh basil and sage on the nose and palate. It is rounded and supple in feel, expertly honed by integrated acidity and a light astringent finish.