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In a surprising upset, Umani Ronchi — a family-owned estate from Italy’s Adriatic coast — has been named 2024 Winery of the Year by Gambero Rosso, Italy’s leading wine guide.
The prestigious award typically goes to renowned producers from Tuscany, Piedmont, or Sicily’s trendy Mount Etna region, making this recognition particularly significant for the Bernetti family’s operation in Marche and Abruzzo.
The award validates Umani Ronchi’s 65-year commitment to quality. Already ranked among Wine Spectator’s 34 Best Wineries of Italy in 2020, the estate continues pushing boundaries while maintaining accessibility across their portfolio.
Their 2023 “Podere” Montepulciano d’Abruzzo exemplifies this approach. Sourced from hand-harvested vineyards in northern Abruzzo’s Chieti and Teramo provinces, the wine foregoes oak aging to showcase the grape’s natural character. Wine critic James Suckling awarded it 92 points, praising its “vivid, bright and textured” profile with “aromas of dark cherries, blueberries and mild spices.”
The winemaking team harvests each vineyard plot separately over three weeks, ensuring optimal ripeness. Aging occurs in stainless steel tanks rather than oak barrels, preserving the Montepulciano grape’s distinctive fruity intensity and approachability.
This food-friendly red is available at Arrowine, with special case pricing available through January! Its versatility makes it an excellent companion to classic Italian dishes from pasta Bolognese to wood-fired pizza.
