Region
The mountainous Abruzzo region is on the east coast of central Italy, which is south of Marche and north of Puglia. The region has two distinct areas with the hillside vineyards having warm continental climate with cooling from the Apennine mountains and then the flatter coastal zone which has a warm Mediterranean climate. Abruzzo is home to the red Montepulciano d’Abruzzo DOC, white Trebbiano d’Abruzzo DOC. Abruzzo mostly produces wines from Montepulciano but also Sangiovese, Pecorino and Passerina as well as more international varietals such as Chardonnay.
 
Producer
Cantina Orsogna is an award-winning Abruzzo cooperative specialising in native grapes of the region such as Montepluciano d`Abruzzo, Cococciola and Pecorino. Orsogna are committed to the biodynamic principles by which they make their wine and have many certified Demeter biodynamic wines. Under the brand Lunaria, they support the activities of the WWF LIFE Euroturtles project to protect turtles in the Mediterranean. The aim of the project is to improve the conservation status of the loggerhead turtle Caretta Caretta and the green turtle Chelonia Mydas.
 
Tasting Notes
Orsogna`s Vola Vole wines are dedicated to the protection of bees. They are committed to safeguarding the vineyards` ecosystem so that bees are safe and far from pesticides and herbicides. They have been certified organic for 25 years and adhere to the biodiversity friend project. The finished wines are also heavily influenced by bees - the yeasts required to start fermentation are carefully selected from the pollen the bees collect from the natural wildlife surrounding the vineyards.
 
The Passerina grape is a local variety to the Marche and Abruzzo regions. Pale straw yellow in colour with notes of honeysuckle and acacia on the nose. On the palate, fresh acidity is balanced with a slight waxy texture and notes of peach, citrus and blossom.
 
Food
Serve with raw fish, sushi or vegetable risotto.