Fontefico
Italy – 
Abruzzo – 
Vasto – 
(CH)

THE COMPANY

Fontefico overlooks the Gulf of Vasto and in this part of Abruzzo, known as the Costa dei Trabocchi, the vineyards are constantly buffeted by the fresh, salty Adriatic winds that are an integral part of the area’s microclimate. The soil is black and rich in organic substance thanks to spontaneous grassing and the practice of green manure. On the surface, the important presence of stones alternates with patches of clay and iron, yielding mineral and savoury wines with uncommon structure and longevity. The two brothers Nicola and Emanuele Altieri have been running Fontefico since 2006 with the aim of uncompromising quality, starting with sustainable agriculture centred on indigenous vines and producing wines from individual, specific vineyards. Each vineyard has its own identity, which is why each wine is represented by a character on the label. The Pecorino Superiore is ‘The Rogue’ because it comes from a vineyard that does not let itself be tamed, but then makes up for it with a complex and distinctive wine. The Montepulciano is the ‘Cocca di casa’ because after all, this is the favourite grape. And so on, with the particularity that, vintage after vintage, each of these protagonists is illustrated on the label in a different life scene to tell an anecdote of the vintage. Putting the bottles of the various vintages together, one can read the story of Fontefico: a story that speaks of territory and authenticity, a perfect icon of Abruzzo viticulture.

Abruzzo

Abruzzo has ideal conditions for quality wine growing. From the high peaks of the central Apennines, valleys with magnificent hilly areas descend gently towards the Adriatic coast. The particular geographic conformation allows for areas with profoundly different characteristics within the same region. These range from vineyards planted at altitudes of up to 900 metres, characterised by a very cool climate with considerable temperature fluctuations, to a central area with mild temperatures, influenced both by cold air currents descending from the mountains and by gentle sea breezes rising from the coast towards the hinterland, to the typically Mediterranean climate of the coast. Thanks to this multiplicity of soil and climate environments, it is possible to produce wines with very different profiles, the direct expression of individual terroirs.

Abruzzo

Abruzzo has ideal conditions for quality wine growing. From the high peaks of the central Apennines, valleys with magnificent hilly areas descend gently towards the Adriatic coast. The particular geographic conformation allows for areas with profoundly different characteristics within the same region. These range from vineyards planted at altitudes of up to 900 metres, characterised by a very cool climate with considerable temperature fluctuations, to a central area with mild temperatures, influenced both by cold air currents descending from the mountains and by gentle sea breezes rising from the coast towards the hinterland, to the typically Mediterranean climate of the coast. Thanks to this multiplicity of soil and climate environments, it is possible to produce wines with very different profiles, the direct expression of individual terroirs.