THE NEW FACE OF TRADITION

Terra d’Aligi is the mark of excellence of a company and of a family that has been making wine for generations. People describe the Spinelli clan as authentic people of Abruzzo: with our feet on the ground and our gaze towards the future. This is likely the truth. Our feet on the ground, meaning our love for the land and our in-depth knowledge of what it is capable of producing, the innate ability to sense the soil, the air, to understand the potential of a terrior. Our gaze towards the future is what drives us every day to bring our wine into the world, to spread appreciation for the immense gifts offered by this small strip of Italy.

A passion for things done right, perfectionism that never settles for the easiest result, even with a dose of nit-picking: these have always been the distinctive traits of our wine-making family, as well as our wines.

Producers of fine wines since 1973 Our wines have always reflected the land from where they came.

It is a form of respect that also translated into the selection of their names. The stone structures with cupolas that the shepherds built for shelters throughout our mountains are called Tolos, with their origins going back to the dawn of time. Tatone is the affectionate term for grandfather, traditionally the most important figure in the Abruzzo family. And Zite are the young girls to be married: we chose this name for our Pecorino because this wine was used to celebrate weddings.

These are all wines that recount the history, traditions and legends of a land that has lived for thousands of years.

Our philosophy Wine is created by the land. Our job is to understand, cultivate and exalt the gifts offered by the land of Abruzzo, respecting its character.

Our technique Selective cultivation, based on in-depth knowledge of the terriors. Processing and ageing based on centuries of experience, never betrayed by technology.

Our commitment to the environment Terra d’Aligi is our land, our most precious heritage. Defending, caring for and protecting it are our primary priorities.

Abruzzo

The geographical makeup of Abruzzo is quite remarkable. A rugged, mountainous region with a lengthy coastline, its lush, green landscape is scattered with national parks and forests. Abruzzo is ideally situated between the Adriatic sea to the east, and the Apennine mountain range and the Maiella massif to the west. The region is home to Gran Sasso, one of Italy's highest peaks at 2912m (9554ft).

It is not surprising that Abruzzo provides a perfect haven for grapegrowing. Vines flourish thanks to the terroir, the abundance of sunshine, the generous rainfall and a variable climate. On the coast it is warm and dry on the coast; inland it is more continental (hot in summer and cold in winter).

Furthermore, the high altitudes see dramatic diurnal temperature variations. When combined with cool mountain air currents, they moderate the temperatures in the vineyards situated on the slopes. This provides a perfect mesoclimate for the vines. The most favorable growing conditions are found in the low hills of Teramo, the Colline Teramane.

The majority of grapes grown come from the hilly areas of Abruzzo. 75 percent of vineyards lie in Chieti province. The remainder are situated in Pecara, Teramo and L'Aquila. Abruzzo viticulture can feature pergolas, where the vines are trained upwards towards narrow arbors. This style accounts for approximately 80 percent of the vines, while the rest are new and planted in rows. Souce: wine-searcher.com

Vineyard(s)

Ratings & Reviews

Terra d'Aligi

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Bianco 'Zite' 2024

95

Consistency: 32 - Balance: 32 - Integrity: 31
Sensations: white wines of this concentration and smoothness, dense and enveloping, impress the senses. The grapes are pulpy and harmonious, in an olfactory context clear, yet vivid and spicyly complex.

Terra d'Aligi

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Bianco 'Zite' 2022

90BB

Best Buy! The nose blends nuanced fruit aromas of peaches, apricots and lemons with pleasing, rich savory undertones of almonds, herbs and butter. The peaches, lemons and almonds continue on the palate, but a blaze of acid cuts through that decadence to provide a bolt of energy.

Terra d'Aligi

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Montepulciano d'Abruzzo 'Tatone' 2019

90

The nose starts bitter, astringent and slightly sanguine, with aromas of cocoa, plums and cured meat, then softens with notes of dirt and herbs. On the palate, cherries accentuate the plum and chocolate elements, before an orange zest finish. Acid welcomes you, while the tannins linger in the mouth.

Terra d'Aligi

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Montepulciano d'Abruzzo 'Tatone' 2023

96

Consistency: 32 - Balance: 33 - Integrity: 31
Sensations: it's thanks to the perfect balance between the softness of the ripe grape and the sum of its lively acidity and majestic tannins that this wine stands out on the palate with an absolutely expressive pleasantness. Pure, clear blackberry fruit, with a rare extractive concentration, a spicy elegance, and once again a spherical expressive harmony.

Terra d'Aligi

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Bianco 'Zite' 2021

90

Aromas of grapefruit, peach and banana leaf. Medium-to full-bodied with saline mineral notes. Bright acidity. A bit of ginger and lime leaf come through. Gentle finish. Drink now.