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| The Sorricchio family has owned the baronial fief of Valforte since the 13th Century. The entire vineyard lies within the “Colline Teramane” DOCG area (first vintage to be allowed the new DOCG was in 2003). The Tenute Barone di Valforte vineyards cover 42 hectares in various communes in the Teramo hills. The investment these gentleman farmers have made in their winery is truly impressive. After growing and selling their grapes for years, they took no shortcuts when they decided to bottle the products of their vineyards. Montepulciano is grown on south-facing mountain vineyards, and the white varietals - Trebbiano, Percorino, Passerina - are grown on the cooler, north-facing slopes (which helps explain why the whites from this warm area show so much freshness and finesse). |
| Barone di Valforte Website |
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| Passerina Colli Aprutini IGT |
| 100% passerina grown in the winery’s estate vineyards. Some say Passerina might be related to Trebbiano, though Burton Anderson says it is akin to Verdicchio (which may be related to Trebbiano). What we can say is it is a rare, indigenous variety, that thrives along the Adriatic (eastern coast) of Italy. It is found under various names (Biancame, Bianchello) in the Marche, Umbria and in Abruzzo, where ours is from. The Sorricchio brothers do everything to ensure freshness; growing their white wine grapes on the cooler north-facing slopes and raising the wines in stainless-steel. Fabulous floral notes on the nose, refreshing and pretty, everything white wine should be. Amazing with raw seafood or as an aperitif. A low 11.5% alcohol |
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| Montepulciano d’Abruzzo DOC |
| 100% Montepulciano d’Abruzzo grown in the winery’s estate vineyards. Fermented and vinified in stainless steel. What we love about this interpretation is the terroir-driven nose and the absolutely juicy, juicy fruit with plenty of structure from both great acid and firm tannins. Perfect with meat and cheese. 13% Alcohol |
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| Montepulciano d’Abruzzo Colline Teremane “Colle Sale” DOCG |
| “The finest zone for Montepulciano grown in the wild Abruzzi hills is around the town of Teramo.” Hugh Johnson 100% Montepulciano d’Abruzzo grown in the winery’s estate vineyards. Spends 10 months aging in new French oak. Very soft and voluptuous in the mouth. Colle Sale refers to literally “Salted Slopes”, probably a reference to the slash and burn policies of the barbarians who raided these territories millennia ago. This wine has the mouthfeel of fine Burgundy and the balance of a top flight Chinon. Perfect with red meat, game, cheese, strong sauces. 13.5% Alcohol |
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