Rosso Cancelli 2024 – Rabasco

Overview

The Rosso Cancelli 2024 from Rabasco is a natural and artisanal red wine made from Montepulciano grapes, grown in the rolling hills of Pescara. Compared to the rosé version, this wine undergoes a few days of skin contact, resulting in deeper color, structure, and complexity. Produced with spontaneous fermentation using indigenous yeasts, no temperature control, no added sulfites, and no fining or filtration, this red remains fresh, juicy, and approachable while staying true to the terroir of Abruzzo.

History of the Wine

The Cancelli line is the purest expression of Rabasco’s philosophy: creating everyday wines that are natural, rustic, and authentic. The Rosso Cancelli embodies the more structured and convivial face of Montepulciano, with maceration enhancing fruit intensity and tannic grip. The 2024 vintage delivered healthy grapes, allowing for a balanced, drinkable red with personality.

Vineyard Philosophy

The vineyards are located in the Colline Pescaresi, between the Adriatic Sea and the Apennines (Maiella and Gran Sasso). The soils are mineral-rich and perfectly suited to Montepulciano. Farming follows organic and biodynamic methods, avoiding synthetic chemicals and respecting biodiversity. Hand-harvesting ensures only the best clusters are vinified.

Winemaking Approach

In the cellar, the approach remains fully natural: indigenous yeast fermentation, several days of maceration on the skins, no temperature control, no fining, no filtration, and no added sulfites (or only minimal amounts). Short maturation in steel or fiberglass tanks preserves freshness and immediacy.

Tasting Notes

Color: Bright ruby red with violet reflections.
Nose: Aromas of fresh cherry, red berries, and delicate floral notes.
Palate: Juicy and lively, with subtle tannins and a mineral-driven freshness.

Pairings

Ideal with cured meats, fresh or semi-aged cheeses, tomato-based pasta dishes, rustic pizzas, and traditional Abruzzo cuisine. Delicious slightly chilled.

Technical Sheet

• Producer: Rabasco

• Vintage: 2024

• Region: Abruzzo – Italy

• Appellation: Vino Rosso

• Grape Variety: Montepulciano

• Aging: Steel/Fiberglass

• Alcohol: 11.5%

• Vinification: Spontaneous fermentation with indigenous yeasts, a few days of skin contact, no temperature control

• Philosophy: Natural, artisanal, no added sulfites or minimal amounts

• 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.