Torre Dei Beati

ABRUZZO Loreto Aprutino EU certified organic

http://www.torredeibeati.it/en/

I was introduced to Fausto Albanese by Giuseppe Mottura who was introduced to me by Sebastiano Capponi who was introduced to me by wine writer Tom Hyland! Lineage matters!

When Giuseppe introduced me to Fausto at least 3 years ago at VinItaly, I was looking for Montepulciano and Pecorino but was just not ready to add another supplier to my portfolio. For the next couple of years I continued to meet Fausto at VinItaly and also in Chicago because he continually wins “Tre Bicchieri.” I appreciated his wines and their creative labels but what really came across was the warm and engaging personality of Fausto himself. Finally in April of 2016 I felt ready and so on a hug and a handshake we agreed to become collaborators in the Illinois Market.

I just concluded a whirlwind visit to the beautiful Torre Dei Beati vineyard and winery. This is a part of Italy that not many people visit and I can tell you it’s absolutely worth the journey. The winery is about 15 miles from Pescara on the Adriatic Sea and maybe the same distance from the Gran Sasso, the highest mountain in the Apennine mountain range. These two geographic elements create a very distinct microclimate:  warm winds coming up from the sea during the day, and cold air coming down from the mountain at night, especially during the last month of maturation, when the Gran Sasso’s peaks are already covered in snow

The vineyards are anchored by an old stone farmhouse that slowly Fausto and his family are expanding for the winery. Having the winery in the middle of the vineyards is very important as it reduces the time it takes to get the fresh picked grapes to the press. This is particularly important for Fausto because he does multiple harvests picking the bunches as they mature to perfect ripeness.

The winery’s specialty is Montepulciano in its many expressions, but they also produce Pecorino and Trebbiano. The name refers to a 14th century mural in the church of Santa Maria in Piano and refers to final stage where blessed souls wait for their entrance to heaven. They have been organic since Fausto’s first harvest in 2000.

TORRE DEI BEATI ABRUZZO Loreto Aprutino EU certified organic
Pecorino
“Giocheremo con i fiori”		 “We will play with flowers.” Great example of the variety, bursting aromas,  salinity, balance, rich texture
Trebbiano “Bianchi grilli per la testa” “White crickets for the head.” (an expression for crazy ideas) Tre Bicchieri winner; aged sur lies in acacia barrels for softer, richer expression
Cerasuolo Drinks like a light red, backbone, fruit, tannin, aromas of roses, a love poem. Tre Bicchieri winner. Very versatile with broad appeal
Montepulciano Complex fruit and not so subtle spiciness. Surprisingly supple. This wine has guts and deep feelings!
Cocciapazza 100% Montepulciano D’Abruzzo. Repeated harvests in the “crazy head” vineyard create a wine of spicy flavors ranging from black pepper and licorice to balsamic, hints of chocolate and tobacco but light on its feet, elegant.
Mazzamurello 100% Montepulciano D’Abruzzo  Aging “sur lies” gives longevity, broad fruity complexity with very elegant nuances of flowers and spices; loooong finish; “the Cadillac of Montepulciano”