Producer

Donvitantonio

I have reviewed three wines from Donvitantonio, from the 2020 to 2024 vintages, across Montepulciano d'Abruzzo and Terre di Chieti. Most are Montepulciano. Scores range from 90 to 92, averaging 91; the highest is the 2024 Donvitantonio Pecorino (92 points).

Donvitantonio is a family estate in Crecchio, in the province of Chieti, now run by the third generation, the grandsons Antonio and Simone. They have revitalized the family farm around Abruzzo’s native grapes, farming sustainably to preserve the biodiversity of their land between the Adriatic coast and the Majella mountains.

The winemaking emphasizes freshness and drinkability, avoiding the heavy, cooked flavours of the region’s bulk wines. The Montepulciano d’Abruzzo is fermented in stainless steel with minimal intervention: ripe black cherry, plum and blackberry with tobacco, leather and wild herbs, smooth tannins and real balance between character and drinkability.

The Pecorino shows why the grape has become one of the most exciting whites of the Adriatic coast: genuine texture and weight, with jasmine, acacia, lemon peel, sage and thyme, stone fruit and that addictive salty kick.