Producer
The Umani Ronchi story began in 1957 when Gino Umani Ronchi established a small farm in the heart of the Verdicchio Classico region. It was just a few years later that the Bianchi-Bernetti family purchased the farm and although they retained the original name, they have certainly put their own indelible stamp on it.
With 210 hectares under vine in Castelli di Jesi, Conero and Abruzzo, and a dedicated winemaking facility in each of these regions, they have achieved scale whilst still retaining an unwavering focus on typicity and quality. The result is a range of wines which highlights both the versatility and the quality potential of the Marche’s and Abruzzo’s native grape varieties.
Umani Ronchi is one of Italy’s most respected and eco-conscious wineries, located in the picturesque region of Abruzzo. The Montipagano label is produced under organic certification, reflecting Umani Ronchi’s dedication to sustainability and respect for the environment.
Their organic vineyards, nestled between the Adriatic Sea and the Apennine Mountains, benefit from the cool sea breezes and mineral-rich soils. The winery combines traditional winemaking techniques with modern practices to create wines that express the purest form of the Montepulciano grape, offering an authentic taste of Abruzzo’s terroir.
The grapes come from an organic vineyard planted at 200 metres above sea-level with a south-western exposure. The soils are a mix of sand and clay, with a large number of small stones. The grapes were harvested by hand.
The grapes were destemmed and gently pressed into stainless steel tanks and the must underwent alcoholic fermentation at a temperature of 26-28°C lasting ten to twelve days. Following alcoholic fermentation, the wine underwent malolactic fermentation, and a proportion of the wine was then passed into oak barrels for a short period of maturation.
Food Pairings
This Montepulciano D’Abruzzo is a versatile food wine that pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes. Its rich fruit and balanced structure make it an ideal companion to classic Italian cuisine, such as lasagna, spaghetti Bolognese, or a rustic pizza with cured meats. For meat lovers, try it with grilled lamb chops, beef stews, or slow-cooked pork.
The wine’s natural acidity also complements hard cheeses like Parmigiano-Reggiano and Pecorino, making it perfect for a cheese platter. For a vegetarian option, pair it with a mushroom risotto or eggplant parmigiana.
Wine Region
The Montepulciano D’Abruzzo DOC is one of Italy’s most renowned wine-producing regions, located in the central part of Italy along the eastern coast. Abruzzo is famed for its stunning landscapes, with the Apennine Mountains to the west and the Adriatic Sea to the east, creating a perfect microclimate for viticulture.
The region’s well-drained, mineral-rich soils, combined with the warm Mediterranean climate, allow the Montepulciano grape to flourish, producing wines with great depth, structure and aging potential.