Improving Abruzzo one bottle at a time- 

The vineyards of the Fabulas winery are located in Pretoro, 602 meters above sea level, with its back to the Majella National Park. You can feel the influence of the mountain massif that gives the park its name. The Adriatic Sea is only 35 km away on the front side. These two elements significantly impact the climate, with substantial temperature fluctuations between night and day.

The rugged terrain of Abruzzo has become synonymous with Montepulciano, but unfortunately, it is not synonymous with high-quality wines. The area still struggles with a reputation as a workhorse due to its inexpensive co-op reds and confusing, misunderstood whites. Sadly, the market has been presented with low-quality wines. Fabulas and a few other noteworthy producers are slowly changing this view with their quality growing practices and stellar winemaking.

Fabulas is a collaboration between farmers, friends, and a fabulous winemaker. Their attention and care extend not only to winemaking but also to the earth. Fabulas has a 'whole-body' approach to winemaking. Usually, we care more about how producers practice than about their certification, though this is not the case here. The Fabulas vineyard is an element of great agronomic and naturalistic value. The sheep provide natural and intelligent control of the spontaneous native flora and natural fertilization, bringing the animal spirit into the vineyard. Mechanical processing is reduced to a minimum. Given the vineyards' positioning on a mountainside, it is evident that, at the plant health level, plants require few interventions and are limited to the use of copper and sulfur as a last resort. Fabulas believes that to change how consumers view the wines of Abruzzo, they must ensure how they are made, which is why they adhere to rigorous farming and quality standards.

Who: Nico Ciavalini & partners

Enologist: Camillo Zulli

Where: Municipality of Pretoro, Chieti • Abruzzo, Italy

Founded: 2010

Land: 602 m asl

Grapes: Passerina, Pecorino, Pinot Grigio, Malvasia, Montepulciano, Sangiovese, + Primitivo

Appellation: Terre di Chieti IGP, Montepulciano d’Abruzzo DOP, Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo DOP

Viticulture: Demeter certified Biodynamic

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  • Terre di Chieti IGP

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    [ Felices, Latin = happy ]

    GRAPE: Passerina
    SOIL: Calcareous, which has preserved its natural fertility thanks to man's scarce exploitation of the soil.
    HARVEST: Manual in wooden boxes and willow and cane baskets.
    WINEMAKING: very limited skin contact, soft pressing
    FERMENTATION: Fermentation is spontaneous, wild yeasts
    REFINING: on fine lees in stainless steel tanks.

    WINEMAKING: Fermentation is spontaneous (without using selected yeasts) in stainless steel barrels with thermal control, then aged in the bottle for about six months. The result is a fresh, fruity wine, an expression of the vine and the terroir.

    The Passerina vine derives its name from the small size of the berries and the fact that the sparrows show a particular predilection for its grapes, characterized by a delicious pulp. Widespread in the Marche and Abruzzo today, Passerina is once again a popular grape to grow, as it was forgotten and replaced by the more productive Trebbiano.

    Fabulas’ Passerina, with its coppery pink hue, is a wine that invites anticipation. Its delicate floral bouquet, with hints of white flowers and hazelnut blossoms, promises a sensory journey. It delivers a cheerful, crisp, and citrusy experience on the palate, complemented by savory herbs and a long, fresh mineral finish.

    PAIRINGS: Excellent with fish appetizers, seafood, white meats, and medium-aged cheeses.

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    PAIRINGS: BOTTLE SIZE: 750 ml
    PACK: 12
    CLOSURE: Cork
    ALC BY VOL(%): 1
    RESID. SUGAR(G/L): G/l
    LONGEVITY: 3+ years

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  • Terre di Chieti PGI

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    [ Facerunt, Latin, 3rd person faciō = to make, construct, fashion, frame, build, erect ]

    GRAPE: Pecorino
    SOIL: Limestone
    HARVEST: Manual in wooden boxes and in willow and cane baskets.
    WINEMAKING: very limited skin contact, soft pressing
    FERMENTATION: Fermentation is spontaneous, wild yeasts
    REFINING: on fine lees in stainless steel tanks.

    Pecorino, a vine with a rich and intriguing history, was named after the sheep that were drawn to its vines, a whimsical detail that adds to its allure. Once a prevalent variety in the Abruzzo region, it was gradually replaced by more productive varieties like Trebbiano. However, in ancient times, the Romans recognized the importance of central Italy for wine production, particularly from this grape, underscoring its historical significance.

    ‘Fecerunt’ is a pale straw yellow wine with greenish reflections in the glass—notes of elderberry, ripe fruit with hints of juicy pear. The acidity and flavors balance with the structure and softness.

    PAIRING: Raw fish, cold cuts, risotto, farmyard animals, and medium-aged cheeses.

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    PAIRINGS: BOTTLE SIZE: 750 ml
    PACK: 12
    CLOSURE: Cork
    ALC BY VOL(%): 1
    RESID. SUGAR(G/L): G/l
    LONGEVITY: 3+ years

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  • Terre di Chieti PGI

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    [ Foeminae, Latin = women ]
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    GRAPE: Pinot Grigio
    SOIL: Limestone
    HARVEST: Manual in wooden boxes and willow and cane baskets.
    WINEMAKING: Skin contact between the peel and must (4-6 hours) and then processing with the "white winemaking" technique. 
    FERMENTATION: Fermentation is spontaneous, carried out by Indigenous yeasts
    REFINING: on fine lees in stainless steel tanks.

    In traditional technology, the idea is to remove the copper / pink color using oenological techniques and products that are not allowed in biodynamics. Fabulas does not subscribe to this, so their Pinot Grigio has a coppery/pinkish natural color, depending on the vintage.

    ‘Foeminae’ Pinot Grigio Ramato is a wine that captivates the senses with its energizing rose-gold color due to prolonged skin contact. It offers an intense, floral, and fruity bouquet with delightful hints of yellow flesh fruit. It is a revelation-fresh, intense, and savory on the palate, inviting you to savor every sip.

    PAIRINGS: Excellent with cod, white meats, and delicate first courses.


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    PAIRINGS: BOTTLE SIZE: 750 ml
    PACK: 12
    CLOSURE: Cork
    ALC BY VOL(%): 1
    RESID. SUGAR(G/L): G/l
    LONGEVITY: 3+ years

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  • Cerasuolo d’Abuzzo DOP
    [Rosato]

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    [ Fortitudo, Latin = strength, bravery ]

    GRAPE: Montepulciano
    SOIL: Limestone
    HARVEST: Manual in wooden boxes and in willow and cane baskets.
    WINEMAKING: Skin contact between the peel and must (4-6 hours) and then processing with the "white winemaking" technique. 
    FERMENTATION: Fermentation is spontaneous, carried out by Indigenous yeasts
    REFINING: on fine lees in stainless steel tanks.

    ‘Fortitudo’ is an intensely brilliant cherry pink color with a nose of fragrant berries, pomegranate, and balsamic tones. It is deliciously fruity with interwoven floral notes that keep circling around. This fresh wine is super pleasing on warm days and strong enough to stand up to colder days when comfy foods are a must.

    PAIRINGS: This wine accompanies appetizers, fish soups, pasta dishes, delicate cheeses, roasted pork, and chicken. It is also perfect for easy dishes such as pizza.

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    PAIRINGS: BOTTLE SIZE: 750 ml
    PACK: 12
    CLOSURE: Cork
    ALC BY VOL(%): 1
    RESID. SUGAR(G/L): G/l
    LONGEVITY: 3+ years

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  • Montepulciano d’Abuzzo DOP

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    [ Fara, Italian = will make ]

    GRAPE: Montepulciano
    AREA: Municipality of Pretoro, 602 m asl The vineyards are located in the agricultural landscape of the Majella National Park, where man's millennial presence has allowed the conservation of agricultural biodiversity that has disappeared elsewhere.
    SOIL: Limestone
    HARVEST: Manual in wooden boxes and in willow and cane baskets.
    WINEMAKING: Maceration in the tank with manual pumping over and flaking.

    FERMENTATION: Fermentation is spontaneous and carried out by indigenous yeasts. It is carried out in concrete tanks for 15-25 days, depending on the temperature and the state of ripeness of the grapes. 
    AGING: Part of the wine is stored for six months in a barrique, and the other part is stored in stainless steel tanks to preserve both the fruit (tank) and the softness on the palate (barrique). Refinement in the bottle for about 6-8 months follows.

    Montepulciano is a native vine of central Italy, particularly between Marche and Abruzzo. Several documents dating back to 1700 testify to this. His native land seems to be Torre de' Passeri in the province of Pescara.

    The Fara vineyard is an element of great agronomic and naturalistic value. The sheep provide for the natural and sensible control of the typical indigenous flora and natural fertilization while bringing the animal spirit into the vineyard. Mechanical processing is minimal. From the positioning of the vineyards on a mountainside, it is possible to understand that from a vine health perspective, the plants require few interventions, and the only interference is the slight use of copper and sulfur when desperation sets in.

    'Fara' has an intense ruby ​​red color with slight purple hues, tending to garnet with aging. It has intense, ethereal olfactory notes, such as the scent of red fruits and spices, including traces of pleasant caramel, that characterize it. The mouth has a complete, dry, harmonious, and, rightly, tannic taste.

    PAIRINGS: It generally pairs well with red meats, boiled, braised, or roasted, as well as noble poultry and aged cheeses.

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    REGION:

    DENOMINATION:

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    VINEYARD:

    SOIL:

    ALTITUDE: 

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    PAIRINGS: BOTTLE SIZE: 750 ml
    PACK: 12
    CLOSURE: Cork
    ALC BY VOL(%): 1
    RESID. SUGAR(G/L): G/l
    LONGEVITY: 3+ years

    BAR CODE:

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FABULAS
Via Piana della Masseria SNC, 66010 Fara Filiorum Petri (CH) Italy

02559630690  www.fabulas.bio

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