CRU & VINEYARDS
Vineyards and cru
Each terroir has been selected based on its pedoclimatic position and on its best production. The need to define individual vineyard blocks led us to choose only high-density hilly or mountain vineyards within a well-defined area.
Initially, our interest focused on Pecorino and Passerina, two indigenous grape varieties whose cultivation has long been neglected in our area for economic reasons. They both require limited yields and special care; appreciable results can thus be obtained only with greater wine-making awareness. It’s thanks to this renovated awareness that we have restarted their production.
Feudo Antico Reds are obtained only from the best among the oldest Montepulcianovineyards in the Tolloarea. Harvested when fully ripe and processed with extreme care to get the most out of their lively flavours.
Through long macerations, spontaneous fermentation – like in the case of the Organic and InAnfora wines – and very little interventions, we preserve the raw material at its best. Our red wines are neither clarified nor filtered, but are "waited for" until they are fully mature.
Zonation
During the zoning study, which began in 2011, Feudo Antico’s agronomic staff has meticulously researched the soil, the microclimate, and the rootstocks. A thorough investigation carried out by the University of Milan under the supervision of Professor Attilio Scienza, has allowed us to confer on each wine a peculiar origin in a selected and well-defined soil.
DOCG Tullum
2019 brought an important recognition: the DOCG Tullum - Controlled and Guaranteed Denomination of Origin, one of the smallest appellations of origin in Italy. A journey that began in 2008 with the Tullum PDO: wines produced from vineyards with limited yields, bred with low environmental impact techniques. Vinification and bottling take place within the same production area, and must not come from vineyards located at an altitude of less than 80 m above sea level. In addition, planting density must not be lower than 1.600 plants per hectare for the pergola abruzzese system, and lower than 4.000 plants per hectare for vine rows. Tullum DOCG represents a true certificate of excellence for the whole Tollo area.
At high altitude
At high altitude
We ventured into the mountains to test Pecorino at a high altitude. This experience led to new collaborations, new impulses, and confirmed the mountains as the natural element that best express the sense of protection and custody towards our territory.
Upwards
While in search of the ideal mountain terrain, Feudo Antico landed in Castel di Sangro, a wild and enchanted place, the reign of the award-winning chef Niko Romito, now our adventure partner. In his estate - six hectares on one of the most beautiful Italian valleys – the experimental Pecorino vineyard has found its space, right next to the vegetable garden and orchard, at over 800 meters above sea level.
Pecorino extreme
This challenging project began in 2010; since then, our enthusiasm keeps fuelling new experiments.
Mountain climates are characterised by a rather distinctive combination of temperature, solar radiation, and wind, as well as by a larger variability of climate if compared with lowlands at the same latitude. Such differences have repercussions on the physiology and biological cycle of the vines: on the mountains, fruits ripen more slowly, and the significant difference between daytime and nighttime temperatures strongly influences the aromatic component of the vines, preserving their acidity content. Pecorino is a grape variety that has never been grown at high altitudes before. This is why our project has rightly been called 'extreme viticulture'.
Pecorino IGP Casadonna
A wine that from the very first harvest clearly released the flavours and fragrance of the altitude: saline acidity, strong minerality, fresh aromas with broad citrus notes.
Spontaneous fermentation, refinement in acacia wood barrels, and bottling without any stabilisation or filtration treatment: the cellar’s only aim is to preserve the quality of the raw material in order to exalt the original characteristics. Today we can enjoy the wine from the 2020 harvest, and produce around 2,000 bottles a year. A real pearl set in the heart of the Abruzzo mountains, we are so proud to continue such an ambitious and challenging project.