Cantina Valle Reale – Winery
Located in Popoli (PE), in the green heart of the Abruzzi, Valle Reale, marks the geographical border among the Gran Sasso National Park, the Laga Mountains and the Majella National Park.
Driving along the winding roads of the SS5 then through Popoli which leads us directly to Valle Reale HQ some kilometres away, we are pleasantly surprised to see an incredibly aesthetic hacienda style estate amidst the wild mountains of Abruzzo. It has more of a Ribera del Duero (Spain) feel to it than it does Central Italian and we are literally in a bowl, surrounded by stone walls. This is what makes this area so unique we will learn later from Leonardo Pizzolo, the young owner and founder of Valle Reale
“Leo” greets us on this hot and sunny Friday morning with sleepy eyes and offers us to join him for breakfast. But the tired demeanour doesn’t take away from his passion in explaining that which Valle Reale does best; producing one of Abruzzo’s finest wines in one of its most unique climatic regions. It’s not only the passion for wine production itself but that for the nature which lets you know that Leo Pizzolo is definitely in his element. It’s not a coincidence that the Wolf happens to be the unofficial mascot of Valle Reale… and Leo’s sleepy demeanour? Happen to be due to the fact that he was out till 5:00 a.m. the night before with a forest ranger in order to take inventory of nocturnal species. He didn’t get a glimpse of any bears or wolves this time but the wild boars where very active this evening as well.
The history of Montepulciano d’Abruzzo begins in this area Leo explains. Various historical documents indicate the first traces of the cultivation of this varietal nearby. The hot summer days and cool summer nights, temperature drops of approx. 15ºC in just a few hours are not seldom, as well as harsh winters are what make this area so unique than the rest of Abruzzo. You literally feel the tight wind stream which caresses the grape vines and can almost see it’s direction if you pay attention to the nature’s movements. Valle Reale was the Italian winery in 2006 which harvested the longest: on November 17 they pulled the last grape bundle from their vines; a time when most wineries have been finished for a month already. This once again relates to the unique climatic conditions of the area, allowing the grapes to mature slowly and gracefully.
The Valle Reale Estate, located 350 metres a.s.l. is surrounded by 30 hectares of prime Montepulciano vines of which only the best go into making their award winning San Calisto Montepulciano d’Abruzzo. The oldest vines are approximately 40 years old and also the base for all new vines planted by Valle Reale as they are in full harmony with the climatic conditions. Together with the Agricultural Faculty at the University of Milan, Leo Pizzolo has been minutely selecting and having his own clones produced which are based on this vine. In total, Valle Reale cultivates approx. 70 hectares of land in the region of Popoli and towards Capestrano producing mainly Montepulciano d’Abruzzo as well as Trebbiano and the lesser known Canaiolo.
Those wishing to visit the winery can do so from Monday to Friday between the hours 9-1 and from 2-6. All visitors are invited to view the cellar and the grounds and wine may be tasted and purchased on the premises. Since wine tastings tend to make one hungry, a major highlight is Valle Reale’s picknick service: with just one day’s reservation, they will organize a complete luxury luncheon in their olive garden overlooking the mountains, winery and estate. The choices are many and they will adapt the picknick luncheon to your every whim.
If you visit Valle Reale you will greeted by a very friendly, competent and international staff or perhaps by Leo himself. But regardless of who you happen to meet, the experience will surely be a memorable one.
65026 Popoli (PE)
Hours of operation:
MO-FR 9:00-1:00 and 2:00-6:00
Telephone: +39.085.9871039
Telefax: +39.045.8876118
Website: www.vallereale.it
E-Mail: info@vallereale.it
Valle Reale has managed to become one of Abruzzo’s flagship wineries in just a few short years.