Cerasuolo Damigiana 2018 – Rabasco

Overview

The Cerasuolo Damigiana 2018 from Rabasco is a natural and artisanal Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, aged in glass demijohns. Unlike the Rosso Damigiana, the grapes undergo a brief skin contact of a couple of hours, producing a bright rosé with fresh, aromatic notes. No added sulfites and completely natural winemaking make this wine authentic and terroir-driven.

History of the Wine

The Damigiana line was created by Rabasco to experiment with traditional and natural winemaking methods. The 2018 vintage yielded healthy, ripe grapes, perfect for spontaneous fermentation and long aging, resulting in an elegant, fresh rosé with structure and vitality.

Vineyard Philosophy

The vineyards are farmed organically and biodynamically, respecting soil health, biodiversity, and seasonal cycles. The mineral-rich hills of Pescara enhance freshness, balance, and identity of the Montepulciano grapes.

Winemaking Approach

After harvest, the grapes undergo a short decanting period, followed by spontaneous fermentation in glass demijohns, without temperature control, fining, filtration, or added sulfites. Long aging enhances fruit purity and natural aromatics.

Tasting Notes

Color: Bright cherry pink.
Nose: Wild strawberries, red berries, and delicate floral hints.
Palate: Fresh, lively, and harmonious, with gentle tannins and a long mineral finish.

Pairings

Perfect with charcuterie, grain salads, summer vegetables, and light white meats. Serve at 10-12 °C.

Technical Sheet

• Producer: Rabasco

• Vintage: 2018

• Region: Abruzzo – Italy

• Appellation: Rosé Wine

• Grape Variety: Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

• Vinification: Short skin contact, spontaneous fermentation in glass demijohns

• Aging: Long in glass demijohns

• Alcohol: 12%

• Philosophy: Natural, artisanal, no added sulfites

• Format: 0.75 L

• Allergens: Contains sulfites

Cantina Rabasco – Natural Wines between the Majella and Gran Sasso

History

Not all stories begin with “once upon a time,” and not all protagonists are people. The story of Rabasco unfolds among the hills of Abruzzo, embraced by the Majella, the mother mountain, and the Gran Sasso, which here reveals itself as the gentle silhouette of a Sleeping Beauty. In the distance, the Adriatic Sea opens the horizon, creating a breathtaking landscape. It is here, when the vineyard was already 40 years old, that Iole Rabasco arrived. With a background in law, she chose to dedicate her life to the land, seeking to leave behind a lasting and positive legacy.

Vineyard Philosophy

At the heart of the project lies the vineyard: 11 hectares cultivated first organically and now through biodynamic farming, following natural rhythms and respecting the life cycles of the soil. The goal is not only to harvest healthy grapes but also to maintain fertility, preserve biodiversity, and protect the environment. For Iole, this choice represents a way to do something meaningful yet humble: contributing to a better, more sustainable future for the next generations.

Winemaking Approach

In the cellar, the philosophy remains the same: spontaneous fermentations with indigenous yeasts, no fining or filtration, and minimal to no sulfur additions. This hands-off approach allows the wine to fully express its authenticity and connection to the land. Each bottle becomes a story of Abruzzo, its hills, its mountains, and its people.

A New Beginning

From the encounter between vineyard and winemaker arises a silent pact: the vines offer generous fruit, and Iole transforms it into wine capable of traveling far, carrying the true identity of its grapes. Yet the story does not end here. Every glass of Rabasco wine is a new beginning, written together with those who choose to taste it with critical spirit and open heart. An invitation to experience wine not just as a drink, but as an authentic encounter with nature and humanity.