Omero Moretti Umbria Rosso “Terre Di Giano” 2024

Description

Omero Moretti Umbria Rosso "Terre Di Giano" 2024

This vibrant red wine is a distinctively Umbrian blend, primarily composed of 90% Ciliegiolo and 10% Sangiovese. The dominance of Ciliegiolo—a grape named for its cherry-like color and flavor—defines the wine's character, while the small addition of Sangiovese adds structure and savory depth. Sourced from the estate's certified organic vineyards in Giano dell'Umbria, the vines thrive in clay-rich soils that help retain moisture during the region's hot summers, contributing to the fruit's lushness and consistency.

The 2024 vintage in Umbria was characterized by a dynamic growing season. An early, warm start accelerated vine growth, while cooler temperatures and rain in mid-September slowed ripening just before harvest. This climatic shift was fortuitous for early-to-mid ripening varieties like Ciliegiolo, allowing them to develop full aromatic maturity while retaining the zesty acidity essential for freshness. The result is a wine that captures the "contained alcohol" and "solid character" noted in regional harvest reports, reflecting a year that favored elegance and balance over sheer power.

In the glass, the wine pours a brilliant, translucent ruby red with violet highlights, indicative of its youth and freshness. The nose is expressive and fruit-forward, bursting with primary aromas of wild red cherries (the hallmark of the varietal), fresh raspberries, and a hint of pomegranate. As it opens, subtle secondary notes of wild fennel, white pepper, and fresh potting soil emerge, adding earthy complexity without obscuring the fruit. On the palate, this is a medium-bodied, dry wine defined by its "juicy" and "flowing" texture. The acidity is bright and mouth-watering, lifting flavors of crunchy red berries and a touch of savory herbs. The tannins are soft and polished, providing just enough grip to cleanse the palate, leading to a clean, refreshing finish reminiscent of sour cherries.

The winemaking philosophy at Azienda Agraria Moretti Omero is deeply rooted in sustainability and minimal intervention. Certified organic since 1992—one of the first in the region—the estate is now led by Giusy Moretti, who continues her father Omero's legacy. For the "Terre Di Giano," the grapes are hand-harvested and fermented with indigenous yeasts in stainless steel tanks. The wine undergoes a maceration of approximately 15 days to extract color and flavor without aggressive tannins. Crucially, it is aged entirely in stainless steel, avoiding oak contact completely to preserve the varietal's natural floral aromatics and crisp fruit profile. The bright red poppies often featured on their labels symbolize this commitment to biodiversity and chemical-free farming.

This wine's high acidity and moderate tannin make it an exceptionally versatile partner for American cuisine. It pairs beautifully with a classic pepperoni pizza, where the wine's acidity cuts through the cheese's richness while the red fruit complements the spicy cured meat. For a backyard barbecue option, try it with grilled turkey burgers topped with cranberry relish; the tart fruit in the dish will echo the cranberry and cherry notes in the wine. Alternatively, a Sunday supper of spaghetti and meatballs highlights the wine's ability to stand up to acidic tomato sauces without clashing.