About Us

Briganti Wines is a brand that emerged from the well-respected Risogna Vini, an agricultural company located in Orsogna, Chieti, that has been producing high-quality wines in the Abruzzo region since 2017. The name “Briganti” pays homage to the region’s past, as Abruzzo is famous for being the birthplace of the brigandage movement in Italy.

Risogna Vini was founded by Paolo Erminio D’Orazio and later relaunched by former major leaguer Michael Costanzo Jr., takes its name from the country road that passes through the vineyards and is known as “la rissogna” in the local dialect. The winery’s commitment to traditional and sustainable farming practices has allowed them to produce wines that reflect the unique character of the Abruzzo region.

Briganti Wines is a brand that is committed to quality, authenticity, and sustainability, and it is no wonder that their wines have attracted a loyal following of customers who appreciate the unique character of Abruzzo wines.

wine region of the year

Abruzzo

Abruzzo is a region located in central-southern Italy, bordered on the east by the Adriatic Sea and surrounded by mountains that separate it from the surrounding regions. The region is known for its unspoiled nature, millennia-old history, and culinary tradition. However, one of its lesser-known treasures is its wine production.

Abruzzo is an emerging wine region that is gaining increasing attention nationally and internationally. The region produces a wide variety of wines, including Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, Trebbiano d’Abruzzo, Pecorino, Pinot Grigio and Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo. These wines are appreciated for their quality, intense flavor, and ability to accompany typical Abruzzese dishes.

In 2022, Abruzzo was awarded “Wine Region of the Year” by the renowned wine magazine WineEnthusiast. This recognition was attributed to the region for its excellent production of high-quality wines and for its role in promoting wine tourism in Italy.

Our Varieties

CERASUOLO D’ABRUZZO

Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo is a rosé wine produced in the Abruzzo region of Italy. The name “Cerasuolo” derives from the Italian word for cherry, “ciliegia,” as the wine’s color is reminiscent of a cherry’s hue. This wine is made using the Montepulciano grape, a native variety to the region.Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo is characterized by its delicate and fruity flavor, with notes of cherry, raspberry, and pomegranate. It is a refreshing and easy-to-drink wine that pairs well with appetizers, light meals, and fish dishes. Due to its versatility, it has become a popular choice among wine lovers looking for a light and fruity wine.

The production process of Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo involves a short maceration of the skins with the must, which gives the wine its characteristic color and flavor. The wine is then aged in steel tanks or barrels for a few months before being bottled. Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo is a perfect representation of the Abruzzo region’s winemaking tradition, which combines innovation with respect for the environment and the territory’s history.

PECORINO TERRE DI CHIETI

Pecorino Terre di Chieti is a dry white wine produced in the Abruzzo region of Italy. The wine is made primarily from the Pecorino grape variety, which is a native grape of the region. The name Pecorino comes from the Italian word “pecora,” which means sheep, as the grapevines were traditionally grown in the same pastures where sheep grazed. Pecorino Terre di Chieti has a straw-yellow color and a rich and intense aroma, with notes of citrus, tropical fruits, and white flowers. On the palate, the wine is fresh and lively, with a good acidity and a mineral finish. Pecorino Terre di Chieti is a versatile wine that pairs well with a variety of dishes, including seafood, pasta, white meats, and cheese.

The production of Pecorino Terre di Chieti is limited to a small area of the Abruzzo region, which makes it a rare and unique wine. The wine is appreciated for its quality and distinct character, which has earned it several awards and recognition both nationally and internationally. Overall, Pecorino Terre di Chieti is a wine that embodies the tradition, culture, and terroir of the Abruzzo region, and is definitely worth trying.

MONTEPULCIANO D’ABRUZZO

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo is a rich and full-bodied red wine that is produced in the Abruzzo region of central Italy. This wine is made primarily with the Montepulciano grape, which thrives in the region’s warm and dry climate, as well as the high altitude and limestone soils. The wine is known for its intense flavors of dark fruits, such as black cherry and blackberry, as well as hints of spice and earthiness.

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo is a versatile wine that pairs well with a wide variety of foods, particularly hearty meat dishes such as grilled steak, roasted lamb, and game meats. This wine also complements rustic Italian dishes, such as pasta with meat sauce, pizza, and aged cheeses.Overall, Montepulciano d’Abruzzo is a standout wine that showcases the unique terroir of the Abruzzo region and is an excellent representation of the high-quality wines being produced in Italy.

PINOT GRIGIO TERRE DI CHIETI

Pinot Grigio Terre di Chieti is a high-quality wine produced in the Abruzzo region of Italy. This wine is made from the Pinot Grigio grape, a popular white grape variety known for its crisp acidity and delicate fruit flavors. The Terre di Chieti sub-region is located in the south of Abruzzo, where the warm and sunny climate provides optimal conditions for grape growing.

The Pinot Grigio Terre di Chieti is a refreshing and vibrant white wine that offers aromas of green apple, lemon, and pear with a hint of minerality. On the palate, this wine is crisp, clean, and well-balanced, with flavors of citrus and tropical fruit. It has a medium body with a long and satisfying finish. This wine is a perfect match for seafood dishes such as grilled shrimp, lobster, and scallops. It also pairs well with light pasta dishes, salads, and appetizers. The Pinot Grigio Terre di Chieti is a versatile and elegant wine that is sure to please any wine lover looking for a quality white wine from Italy.

BRIGANTI WINES