About the Wine

While traveling through the coastal town of Pescara overlooking the Adriatic Sea in Abruzzo, OVW owner and founder, Greg Martellotto, stumbled upon the wines of Pasetti. It seemed like all of the best restaurants in the area proudly featured the wines from the Pasetti's. After enjoying the wines while on holiday, he made a point to meet the family at Vinitaly. A direct import relationship quickly followed. Typically, OVW imports one or two wines from a winery. In this case, all of the wines were so impressive, we imported the whole range of wines. The wines from Pasetti are hands down some of the best from the Abruzzo region and indeed, at the top of many lists as among the best wines in all of Italy. We're pleased to introduce you to the Pasetti family.

The Pasetti vineyards are uniquely located inside of the Gran Sasso National Park. If you've been to Rome, on a clear day you can see the imposing Apennine mountains. These are mountain wines from altitude surrounded by the majestic beauty. This is a land of rustic charm and sunny hospitality. Wine Spectator calls it a “stunning, under-explored, year-round destination” and Travel + Leisure raves about its “stunning ocean views, three national parks, and rolling vineyards.”

The story of the Pasetti estate began in the early 1900s when Mimmo Pasetti’s great-grandfather Silvestro purchased the first vineyards, starting out as a grape grower. It was his grandson Franco who had the bold idea to bottle their wines under their own label. The family has weathered many storms, including the devastation of phylloxera, which wiped out many vineyards. They emerged stronger, reestablishing their vineyards in the 1950s and becoming a regional icon. Today, Mimmo Pasetti, along with his children Francesca Rachele, Massimo, and Davide, continue to elevate the family legacy, producing wines that are as distinctive as the region itself. This is a true family affair with all of the children involved in every aspect of the winery from winemaking, to sales and marketing and administration.

High up in the Pescosansonesco vineyards, at a lofty 550 meters above sea level, the magic happens. The clay-calcareous soils, rich in organic matter, paired with dramatic temperature swings and refreshing sea breezes coming from the Adriatic sea, create a terroir that’s perfect for crafting wines with bold acidity, powerful structure, and incredible aging potential.

As Domenico Pasetti says, “Wine is not an exact science but an experience of life.” Each bottle is a legacy of love and sacrifice, with a vision for the future.

The Pecorino grape, an Abruzzo native, has made a spectacular comeback thanks to a handful of daring winegrowers. Thriving in fertile, well-watered soils, this exceptional wine dazzles with vibrant citrus notes and invigorating freshness. With its full body and impressive finish, Pecorino is a true standout in the world of fine wines.

Tasting Notes: 100% Pecorino. Bright straw yellow wine. Hints of wilted yellow flowers, citrus, dried fruit and bread crust. The acidulous appealing and the marked minerality are balanced with an excellent structure and a long persistence.

Reviews

~94 Greg Martellotto, Vinitaly Italian Wine Ambassador

There is a subtle mineral quality to the zesty, limey citrus with some fresh pineapples. On the palate, you feel the speed of this wine with its neutral, tingling limey flavors and a bright attack of acidity. Lightly saline and mouth-cleansing finish. Drink now. ~90 James Suckling