If you’re familiar at all with trebbiano, you’re almost certainly thinking of trebbiano Toscano, which is a high yielding grape that often produces mundane wines. But not all trebbianos are created equally. 350 meters above the town of Cugnoli in Abruzzo, Riccardo Tiberio found a very old plot of trebbiano d’Abruzzese, which, despite it’s name, is neither the same grape as trebbiano Toscano, nor is it common in Abruzzo.

​In the year 2000 Riccardo purchased a small eight hectare plot of 60 year old trebbiano d’Abruzzo and carefully nurtured and replanted it. At the same time he expanded the site and included plantings of other indigenous varieties until he had a 31 hectare estate.

In 2008 he handed over the growing and wine making to his son Antonio and daughter Cristiana. I sat down with Cristiana to talk about trebbiano d’Abruzzo and the importance of clonal selection and indigenous grape varieties.

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20170614_110322John Lenart with Cristiana Tiberio, Wine Maker, Tiberio

trebbiano_new2016 Tiberio Trebbiano d’Abruzzo

Yellow with tinges of green in color. Aromas of stone fruit, flowers, fennel and a hint of saline minerality end with a bit of fresh herbal notes. Flavors of green apple, pear, beeswax are balanced by elegant minerality and crisp, mouthwatering acidity. A lovely, unique wine.

SRP:  $20

 

 

 

pecorino_new2016 Tiberio Pecorino

Quite herbal on the nose. Flavors of delicate peach, under ripe fig, and melon. The rich texture is balanced nicely by fresh acidity.

 

SRP:  $20

 

 

 

cerasuolo_new

2016 Tiberio Cerasuolo

Vibrant cherry color. On the nose aromas of cherry and under ripe strawberry. Flavors of sour cherry, rhubarb, cranberry, and pomegranate. Silky tannins and bright acidity make this a slightly more serious rosé that can pair with richer foods. Great for barbecue.

 

SRP:  $20

 

 

montepulciano12014 Tiberio Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

Bright ruby in color. Nose of red fruit, with a touch of smokiness. Flavors of light, fresh red berries and subtle blood orange notes are backed up by spectacular minerality, vibrant acidity, and silky, elegant tannins.

 

SRP: $20

 

 

ColleVota

2014 Tiberio Colle Volta, Single Vineyard Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

Very pretty delicate ruby color. Beautiful floral notes accented by restrained minerality. Flavors of sour cherry, cedar, sage, and hints of doughnut peach. Super silky tannins and vibrant acidity  make this wine something to search out. Not made in every vintage.

SRP:  $55