Young winemakers revive Abruzzo's wine industry with modern techniques
- Federico de Cerchio took over his family’s winery in 2012 and has invested in modernizing their practices.
- The wines produced, particularly Trebbiano d'Abruzzo and Montepulciano d'Abruzzo, aim to elevate the region's reputation.
- With a focus on quality and tourism, the estate aims to transform the perception of Abruzzo wines.
In Abruzzo, Italy, the Famiglia de Cerchio, a winery with a rich history dating back to 1910, is experiencing a renaissance under the leadership of Federico de Cerchio. After graduating from Karlstad Business School in Sweden in 2012, Federico took control of the family’s wineries, investing significantly in both modern technology and traditional practices to elevate the quality of their wines. He is focusing on the Trebbiano d’Abruzzo and Montepulciano d’Abruzzo varieties, striving to produce wines that are not only exceptional but also invite consumers to enjoy more glasses. With his efforts, he aims to change the perception of Abruzzo wines, which have historically lagged behind more prestigious Italian wine regions. The region's winemaking has struggled due to a long history of mass production aimed primarily at local consumption, leading to the perception of low-quality, bargain-price wines. Federico pointed out that many local winegrowers are over 60 years old, leading to concerns about the future of vineyard cultivation as younger generations show less interest in this traditional occupation. He noted that, within the next 15 to 20 years, as vineyard areas shrink, demand could potentially increase, positioning Abruzzo wines as more premium products in the market. In addition to wine production, the Famiglia de Cerchio estate has evolved into a wine destination featuring a bar, restaurant, and luxury accommodations. Since its transformation, Torre Zambra, as it's known, has attracted significant visitor attention, with over 30,000 people visiting in just six months. This innovative approach aims to create a comprehensive wine experience for tourists, helping to raise awareness and appreciation for the region's wines. Amidst these changes, Federico emphasizes the importance of entrepreneurial skills within Italy's wine industry, asserting that enhancing business acumen is critical for the success of regional winemaking. As Abruzzo's winemakers seek to redefine their reputation on both local and international stages, it is clear that the commitment and passion demonstrated by figures like Federico de Cerchio are essential for fostering growth and innovation in this historic yet evolving industry.