Casauria DOCG

Italy's 79th DOCG and Abruzzo's third, promoted from the Casauria subzone of Montepulciano d'Abruzzo DOC in November 2025. The zone sits in a mountain corridor between the Maiella and the Gran Sasso where cold air drains down at night, so the Montepulciano ripens slower and keeps more acid than on the coast. Expect a dark, firm red: black cherry, blackberry, violet, tar and crushed herbs, with a mineral edge and tannins that want five years. Red only, 90% Montepulciano minimum, 18 months before release and 24 for a Riserva. The first wines under the DOCG name come from the 2026 harvest, so until about 2028 the bottles to taste are the subzone Riservas from the same vineyards, labelled Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Terre di Casauria.