Located midway down the eastern coast of the Italian peninsula, Abruzzo is a lush, rugged region flanked by the Apennine mountain range to the west and a lengthy stretch of Adriatic coastline to the east. Here, the cool mountain air currents interact with moderating sea breezes to give rise to a microclimate in which vineyards have long flourished. While wine is produced across all of Abruzzo’s provinces, it’s in the low hills of Teramo and Pescara, in Abruzzo’s north, that some of the most favourable growing conditions can be found. These soils, rich in clay and limestone, have yielded critically acclaimed wines from the likes of legendary producers Emidio Pepe and Eduardo Valentini.

For many decades though, the path trod by these icons was a lonely one. The industrial boom following the Second World War fuelled the rise of large wine cooperatives that dominated Abruzzo’s production, leading to an unrelenting emphasis on quantity at all costs. But, today, there are glimmering rays of hope breaking through — though the cooperatives are still the predominant force in Abruzzo wine production, we’re increasingly seeing the emergence of a new generation of small independent and passionate vignerons with new ambitions and artisanal dreams.

One such producer is the dynamic Francesco Massetti, whose small estate is located about a half-hour drive east from Emidio Pepe’s winery.

Even before he was five years old, Francesco already knew he wanted to have a job working outdoors when he grew up. By the time he turned 30, he was well on his way to making his boyhood dream come true. In 2014, having earned a degree in Agricultural Sciences and armed with not much more than a passion for wine and a spirit of adventure, Francesco settled in Colonnella and set up his winery in an old farmhouse. Since then, he’s relished spending most of his time amongst his 5.5 hectares of vines in the hills of Abruzzo, under the clear skies with a glorious view of the idyllic Adriatic.

Like the most conscientious growers of his generation, Francesco believes that sustainability and biodiversity are paramount. He’s farmed his vineyards organically since the beginning, and no chemical fertilisers, pesticides or herbicides have ever been employed at the estate. Although his winery has already received organic certification, he deliberately leaves this off his labels. To Francesco, organics is a way of life, not a marketing tool.

Francesco focuses on classic varietals native to Abruzzo: Trebbiano for the white wine, and Montepulciano for the red. Harvest is carried out by hand; the grapes are sorted in the vineyards before their journey to the winery. Fermentations are always spontaneous, by way of indigenous yeasts and without any temperature control. The white is aged in steel while the red slumbers in oak barrels. After élevage, the wines are bottled without filtration. 

Francesco’s emphasis on impeccable farming and focus on the fundamental craft of winemaking have resulted in characterful, complex reds, and equally personality-filled whites that have found their own newly distinct voice. Since his debut vintage from the 2016 harvest, production has remained quite limited, and to this day, no more than 3,000 bottles per cuvée leave the cellar each year.

It’s a real pleasure to discover such a gregarious and driven soul as Francesco Massetti. This young man may only be in his 30s, yet he seems to have known what he wants his whole life. His wines reflect this rootedness; the exuberance of the generous sunlight in Abruzzo, lifted by the salinity of the sea-breeze, clothed with the affability of their maker. We marvel at the quality Francesco has delivered despite the youth of both his vineyards and his person, and look forward to even greater things from him in the years ahead.

These wines have now landed and are available ex-cellar Singapore. This offer is valid until 8 April 2021. All order requests will be processed subject to remaining availability and final written confirmation. No further discount. Full settlement is required to confirm orders. All terms and conditions apply.