Who makes it?

Tiberio Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo is a great introduction to this style of wine. The name does say it all in this case. Cerasuolo refers to the cherry red colour of the wine which is a celebration of the Montepulciano grape. Riccardo Tiberio purchased the estate in 2000 attracted by the Trebbiano Abruzzo vines there that are around 60 years old.  

Siblings Cristiana and Antonio Tiberio now have the trusteeship of the family winery just to the East of Rome. The expansion of the native grapes on their estate is a major part of their mission.  Cristiana is the winemaker and Antonio is the viticulturalist. 

Did you know? ‘Cerasia’ means ‘cherry’ in Latin.  In Sicilian, the word is ‘cerasa.’ 

How do they make it?

The team use free run juice for this wine. 100% Montepulciano. The wine ferments with indigenous yeasts in stainless steel. That stainless steel preserves the wine’s fruity personality. 

What does it taste like?

Tiberio Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo is a pale ruby with some purple highlights. Simply, this  means it is a deeper hue than the ‘pale’ rosé / rosado / rosato wines. The fragrance of cherry and plum fruit has some pretty floral nuances too. It is dry (maybe less than 0.5 g/l RS), medium bodied and fresh. The tannins are there but provide shape to the fruit. A spicy flourish finishes the wine off nicely. 

You can, of course, serve this just lightly chilled. Not too heavily chilled or the tannins will be too firm.

For red wines that you can chill, please click here to read Yes, you CAN chill red wines! Here are six you will love!

What to drink it with?

These Cerasuolo wines are excellent with or without food. Of course, if you need regional inspiration anchovies are a good start. Particularly in a frittata or a Crostini alla Chietina. But I would also suggest charcuterie too. A chicken salad too. 

Cheese

A cheese match for this wine would be something flavourful and semi hard, such as a Pecorino cheese, Manchego or Gruyere. 

Quickie review « This is an easy lighter alternative to a fleshy red wine, yet it still delivers Montepulciano varietal typicity. »

Country of Origin:  Abruzzo D0P, Italy (Cugnoli)
Tasting Date: April 2026
Price:  UK £25 | €20 | US$ 25++
Drink: now – 3+ years 
Needs food: no
Source: tasting

For another Tiberio wine, why not check out:
Tiberio Pecorino

Visit Tiberio for more.