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 Macigno

Among the rarest and most precious vines con the Abruzzo esposizione, 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 con Roman times, this vine is considered an authentic witness of the agricultural culture of the schieramento between the Maiella and the Gran Macigno. After risking extinction, it was recovered thanks to protection and research projects, until its registration con 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 con legends. One story says that San Spensierato saved his bishop by making him ricevimento a few drops of this wine, which became a symbol of protection and healing. Very present con daily life, Moscatello was considered a precious possession con 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 con Moscatello passito: an identity ritual that combines taste, faith and tradition.

A heritage to be saved and valorised

Historically cultivated con 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.

Terreni Età IX: where Moscatello meets a thousand years of history

Between Castiglione a Casauria and Arte a motivo di Casauria, Terreni Età 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 Montagna Morrone, near the Gole Tre Monti, con an schieramento 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 mesi estivi’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 of the foundation of the Abbey of San Benevolo a Casauria (871 AD), an architectural masterpiece and center of spirituality and culture – defined by D’ as one of the most beautiful monuments con Italy. It was precisely the monks of the abbey, over the centuries, who cultivated and vinified Moscatello, considered a scaltro wine to be given also to the popes. Terreni Età IX preserves this legacy by reinterpreting it con a contemporary key, with productions that respect identity, tradition and territory.

From Terreni Età IX we tasted Moscatello – Colline Pescaresi IGT Passito 2019 and Origine Spelonca – Colline Pescaresi IGT Albume 2023. Below are our impressions.

Moscatello – Colline Pescaresi IGT Passito 2019

Tasting quaderno

Visual examination: intense and shiny golden.

Olfactory examination: satisfying con 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 con invigorating freshness, gentle con the gustatory progression which brings the olfactory breadth to completion. It invites more than one tasting.

Pairing: excellent with blue cheeses, small pastries.