The Gran Sasso vineyards are situated among the hills in the provinces of Chieti and Teramo in the region of Abruzzo while the beautiful modern winery is located in the town of Ortona. Abruzzo is located in the central eastern part of Italy on the coast of the Adriatic Sea. The unique position of the vineyards allows them to benefit from the sea and mountain breezes, producing wines that are full in body and truly represent the characteristics of the region.

Valentino Sciotti is involved with a number of wineries in Puglia, Campania (he is the man behind Vesevo) and his native Abruzzi.

The Gran Sasso wines are made by young winemaker Marco Flacco and display a freshness and directness of fruit that is seldom found in this region. Most Montepulciano at this price comes either from negociants buying bulk wines or from co-ops, neither of whom work as well or as closely with their growers as Valentino and his team.

The grapes for this wine are grown in 15-20 year old vineyards in the production zones of Ortona, San Salvo and Pollutri.

The red version of this caused quite a stir, or made quite a splash, whichever way you want to look at it. Reckon the white is just as good. I believe you need to crop low to get good flavour out of this grape - no such problems here. It’s slightly peachy and melony with a little smokiness, something a bit like liquorice and perhaps a glaze of honey. Has an attack of fruit and acid to taste, but not too much of either - the balance is very good. Pretty easy to drink, has character, as well as modest alcohol. It feels good. It feels right. I like it. Rated : 89 Points Tasted : Jan10 Alcohol : 12% Price : $9.99 Closure : Synthetic Drink : 2010 - 2012' By Gary Walsh; The Wine Front