Cantina Indigeno Boccia Rosso One Liter 2021

Cantina Indigeno is a natural wine producer established in 2016 by four friends: Alfredo Giugno, Nicola Reginaldi, Fabio Petrella, and Loreto Lamolinara. Located near Teramo in Abruzzo's ruggedly beautiful hills, approximately 8 kilometers from the Adriatic Sea, the winery represents one of Italy's most exciting natural wine operations. The founding partners brought diverse backgrounds - Alfredo worked as an accountant and beer brewer, Loreto had craft beer distribution experience, Nicola was a sommelier passionate about natural wines, and together they previously operated La Casa di Cura microbrewery in Crognaleto starting in 2013.

The winery practices minimal intervention winemaking with organically farmed grapes, primarily focusing on indigenous Abruzzo varieties including Montepulciano, Trebbiano, Montonico, and Pecorino. Their approach emphasizes spontaneous fermentation using native yeasts, no temperature control, zero sulfur additions, and no filtration. Production began with 5,000 bottles in 2016, doubling to 10,000 in 2017, and reaching approximately 25,000 bottles by 2018 through vineyard acquisitions.

Cantina Indigeno has gained international recognition despite being relatively new, with wines particularly popular in the United States and Japan where natural wine demand is growing. Notable wines include Rosso Giara, aged eight months in amphorae, and various Montepulciano expressions using techniques like carbonic maceration. The winery's philosophy centers on creating authentic wines that reflect Abruzzo's terroir through traditional methods, producing wines described as "feral, vibrant and delightful elemental spirits" that change and evolve constantly in the glass, embodying the wild character of natural winemaking.

Abruzzo is a mountainous wine region located in central Italy along the Adriatic coast, positioned between Marche to the north, Lazio to the west, and Molise to the southeast. The region encompasses 32,654 hectares of vineyards producing over 3.1 million hectoliters annually, making it Italy's fifth-largest wine-producing region. Abruzzo is divided into four provinces: Chieti (producing 75% of regional wine), Pescara, Teramo, and L'Aquila, each offering distinct microclimates and terroir characteristics influenced by the Apennine Mountains and Adriatic Sea.

The region's viticulture dates back to the 4th century BC, with evidence of Moscato-style grapes called Apianae grown by ancient civilizations. However, wine production declined for centuries before experiencing a renaissance in the past 40-50 years. Today, approximately 80% of production comes from large cooperatives, though boutique wineries are increasingly emerging. Despite having only half the vineyard area of Tuscany, Abruzzo produces over 22 million cases annually due to high permitted yields and the tendone vine-training system.

Abruzzo has two DOCG appellations: Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Colline Teramane and Terre Tollesi/Tullum, plus seven DOC designations. The region's flagship wine, Montepulciano d'Abruzzo, accounts for 57% of grape plantings and is one of Italy's most exported DOC wines. Trebbiano d'Abruzzo represents 29% of production, while Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo produces distinctive cherry-red rosé wines. Indigenous varieties Pecorino and Passerina add diversity to the portfolio.

The region's geography creates ideal growing conditions, with the Adriatic Sea providing Mediterranean influence while the Apennine Mountains offer continental effects and altitude variation. Soils consist of calcareous clay in river valleys flowing from mountains to sea. Notable producers like Emidio Pepe, Edoardo Valentini, and emerging natural wine makers have elevated Abruzzo's reputation, combining traditional methods with modern innovation to produce wines known for excellent value and authentic terroir expression.