Chiusa Grande Tommolo Montepulciano d'Abruzzo

Gorgeous Abruzzo Montepulciano, with its shimmering purple colour and scents of blackberries, cherry compote and fresh cherries, hay and even a sprinkle of pepper. There are notes of dried herbs, tease of smoke and fresh tobacco too. Plum on the finish and lovely length. An exceptionally drinkable wine, with a soft tannin structure and persistent, soft and bright mouthfeel.

Surrounded by the Gran Sasso and Majella Mountains, owner and vigneron Franco D'Eusanio took over from his father and formally established the estate in the early 90s. His father was previously growing organic vegetables and vines on a small scale, and solely selling the fruit, but under the command of Franco, the estate has seen considerable growth in the last 15 years, with the purchase of four further farms in the area that have all been converted to organics.

Franco is an ardent supporter of organic and regenerative agriculture over intensive farming practices, choosing it to respect the environment, the local rural traditions and the consumer too. As well as farming, Chiusa Grande have examined and carefully monitored every step of their winemaking journey to reduce their carbon footprint. They run entirely on solar power supplied by their solar panels, use solely LED lighting and electric vehicles in the cellar, with the next step being a fully electric tractor in the vineyards.