Cirelli Trebbiano d'Abruzzo Orange 2023

Francesco Cirelli is one of the most influential figures in Abruzzo's modern wine scene. After studying business administration, he returned to his family's land near the historic town of Atri and established his estate in 2003. Rather than focusing solely on wine, Cirelli developed a diversified farm that includes vineyards, olive groves, grain fields, fruit trees, vegetables, and livestock. This broader agricultural vision reflects his belief that vineyards thrive as part of a living ecosystem. While often associated with the natural wine movement, Cirelli's primary goal is producing honest wines that clearly express the character of Abruzzo.

The estate is certified organic and managed with a strong emphasis on biodiversity and soil health. Cover crops, natural fertilizers, and minimal intervention in both the vineyard and cellar are central to the farming philosophy. The vineyards are located a short distance from the Adriatic coast, where cooling sea breezes and significant day to night temperature shifts help preserve freshness in the fruit. Fermentations are carried out with native yeasts and cellar work is kept deliberately simple to allow the vineyard character to shine through.

The Trebbiano d'Abruzzo Orange 2023 is made entirely from trebbiano. After harvest, the grapes are destemmed and fermented on their skins for approximately thirty days in stainless steel tanks. This extended skin contact gives the wine its amber color, added texture, and subtle tannic structure. Following pressing, the wine rests on its fine lees for several months before bottling. It is bottled unfiltered with minimal sulfur additions, preserving both texture and aromatic complexity.

In the glass, the wine offers aromas of orange peel, apricot, dried flowers, honey, and Mediterranean herbs. The palate is textured and savory with bright acidity, gentle phenolic grip, and a distinctly saline finish that reflects the estate's coastal location. Compared with many skin contact wines, this is a notably clean and approachable example with very little funk or oxidation. It serves as an excellent introduction to orange wine while still offering enough complexity to appeal to more experienced drinkers.