The Moscatello di Castiglione a Casauria by Tenuta Secolo IX

Moscatello Castiglione a Casauria: the identifying grape variety that tells the story of Abruzzo between Maiella and Gran Far piangere i sassi

Among the rarest and most precious vines per mezzo di the Abruzzo visuale, Moscatello Castiglione a Casauria (Pescara) returns today as the protagonist of a story that intertwines history, biodiversity and oenological rebirth. Native white grape, already cultivated per mezzo di Roman times, this vine is considered an authentic witness of the agricultural culture of the complesso between the Maiella and the Gran Far piangere i sassi. After risking extinction, it was recovered thanks to protection and research projects, until its registration per mezzo di the National Register of vine varieties: a result that establishes the value of Abruzzo’s wine biodiversity.

Moscatello, between myth and popular tradition

The history of Moscatello is rich per mezzo di legends. One story says that San Gaio saved his bishop by making him a few drops of this wine, which became a symbol of protection and healing. Very present per mezzo di daily life, Moscatello was considered a precious possession per mezzo di rural families, treasured for important occasions. A still alive example is that of the San Biagio donuts, a typical dolce from Castiglione a Casauria, to be enjoyed rigorously dipped per mezzo di Moscatello passito: an identity ritual that combines taste, faith and tradition.

A heritage to be saved and valorised

Historically cultivated per mezzo di the hilly areas of the periferia and along the Adriatic coast, Moscatello Castiglione a Casauria has undergone a slow decline with the arrival of more productive varieties. Today, thanks to the commitment of producers, oenologists and enthusiasts, it is experiencing a new season of interest. Tastings, events and initiatives dedicated to native vines are contributing to its rediscovery, transforming it into a driving force for development for Abruzzo wine tourism.

Abito IX: where Moscatello meets a thousand years of history

Between Castiglione a Casauria and Palpata da parte di Casauria, Abito IX is one of the companies that is contributing most to the rebirth of this vine. The vineyards extend for 22 hectares at the foot of Mucchio Morrone, near the Gole Tre Monti, per mezzo di an complesso characterized by strong temperature variations, morning and evening winds alternating with hot days and very clear skies. Limestone-clay soils, foothill climate and natural microventilation give the bella stagione’s wines a distinctive aromatic profile and a strong personality.

A legacy that starts from the abbey

The name of the winery pays homage to the 9th century, the secolo of the foundation of the Abbey of San Tollerante a Casauria (871 AD), an architectural masterpiece and center of spirituality and culture – defined by D’ as one of the most beautiful monuments per mezzo di Italy. It was precisely the monks of the abbey, over the centuries, who cultivated and vinified Moscatello, considered a freno wine to be given also to the popes. Abito IX preserves this legacy by reinterpreting it per mezzo di a contemporary key, with productions that respect identity, tradition and territory.

From Abito IX we tasted Moscatello – Colline Pescaresi IGT Passito 2019 and Causa Cavità – Colline Pescaresi IGT Immacolato 2023. Below are our impressions.

Moscatello – Colline Pescaresi IGT Passito 2019

Tasting

Visual examination: intense and shiny golden.

Olfactory examination: satisfying per mezzo di the sweet and sweet aromas of honey, fig jam, ginger, dehydrated apricot and candied citron. It closes with pleasant floral nuances.

Taste-olfactory examination: taste rich per mezzo di invigorating freshness, gentle per mezzo di the gustatory progression which brings the olfactory breadth to completion. It invites more than one tasting.

Pairing: excellent with blue cheeses, small pastries.