TIBERIO
PESCARA - ABRUZZO
“...the superlative 2023 Fonte Canale, one of the best Italian whites ever made. 100 points.”
In 2023, renowned wine writer Ian d’Agata made a prediction: “…I do not believe I have ever scored an Italian white wine 100 points yet, but frankly, it’s only a matter of time before one between Valentini and Tiberio gets there…”
Then, in late 2025, it happened.
“Fonte Canale is not just made with a very rare grape…Trebbiano Abruzzese…but also a specific old biotype that carries, appropriately enough, the Fonte Canale name. In other words, this wine is made from extremely old vines of a very rare high-quality grape variety and specifically an even rarer biotype of it planted on a soil that escapes drought. I trust you realize there is enough there to understand why a special wine is born.”
“Is the 2023 Fonte Canale the best one ever made? I used to think it was a battle between the 2015 and 2018 Fonte Canale’s especially, but the more I retaste this wine the more I think it is not only at their level, but has surpassed them with age. Perhaps it has to do that, for the first time, Cristiana Tiberio decided to press the skins in an effort to extract even more (using 600 millibars of pressure, still very low) but it has to be done with care because the thick canopy left in place to protect Trebbiano Abbruzzese’s thin skins from sunburn so you just can’t and press to your heart’s content (or if the vine were Guyot-trained). In any case, pressing the grapes now that the growing season has been shortened because of climate change is necessary, but at Tiberio they do it well and carefully. It shows in the superlative 2023 Fonte Canale, one of the best Italian whites ever made.” 100 points – Ian d’Agata Wine Review
Cristiana and Antonio Tiberio's rise to the top of Italian wine has been swift, but careful study and decades of patient work lie behind it. The estate was established in 2000 near Cugnoli, inspired by the oldest vineyard of Trebbiano Abruzzese — the highest quality, extremely rare form of Trebbiano — whose vines were 70 years old and practically dead at the time. Tiberio coaxed them back to health, and today that tiny pergola-grown vineyard produces Fonte Canale, one of Italy's finest white wines: chiselled, crystalline, made without oak, and with an immense capacity to age.
Cristiana, a trained chemist, is deeply passionate about the hyper-local, attributing the success of her wines to years of careful observation of their specific sub-zone of Pescara province — its site, vines and environment. All wines are produced from massale-selected vines of local genetics. Beyond their mastery of Trebbiano Abruzzese, Tiberio is recognised as the undisputed quality leader in Pecorino, and their four Montepulciano wines — including a phenomenal Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo — rank among the finest in the region.
These are deeply thoughtful, pure and precisely made wines, crafted to preserve the heritage and essence of their place. Tiberio is at the cutting edge of fine wine in Italy.
Get in touch to express any interest in an allocation of these wines.
“We are focused, extremely focused – I would like to say obsessed – with the native grape varieties. I want to be more precise: not just the native grape varieties, but the real native aspects of these varieties. We are in a cool area, and for us it’s very important to respect the vines and the fruit which are native to this geology and these climatic conditions, through massale selection. Any decision I make for my soil, my vineyards, or my wine depends on the respect of our heritage, identity, and character of our terroir.” – Cristiana Tiberio
THE WINES
Tiberio Colline Pescaresi Pecorino IGP
An extremely special wine in its own right as the subject of Cristiana’s investigation into biotypes and terroir around this ancient grape. Read an outline of Cristiana’s in-depth study HERE.
100% Pecorino massal selected from the five original mother vines discovered on the estate in 1999.
A 3.8 hectare, limestone-dominant vineyard divided into three sections planted in 2001 to different biotypes at 380m. The middle section, named CE, is the largest at 1.8 hectares. SX and DX are the other parts. CE is vinified separately to SX and DX with the final wine a 60/40 blend. The free run juice is spontaneously fermented in temperature controlled stainless steel and aged in bottle.
“…the undisputed quality leader when it comes to making Pecorino wine is the Tiberio estate.”
- Ian D’Agata, Terroir Sense
“The 2025 Pecorino Colline Pescaresi displays crushed wild flowers, lime zest, wet stones, sweet smoke and nectarines. A pleasant upfront sweetness is quickly offset by wild citrus and mineral tones. Candied lime resonates toward the close. This is wonderfully fresh and perfumed as a lemon pith concentration puckers the cheeks.” 93 points – Vinous
“Wickedly fresh, the 2023 Pecorino opens with a pretty blending of stone dust and white smoke, giving way to young peach and sage. This splashes across the palate with soft textural waves while maintaining fantastic energy. A spicy mix of sour lime and green apples saturate the senses. The 2023 cleans up beautifully, tart and mouthwatering, with a saline feel and a sensation of liquid stone. This zesty and wiry Pecorino from Tiberio is a total pleasure to taste.” 92 points - Eric Guido, Vinous
Tiberio Trebbiano d'Abruzzo DOP
A baby version of Fonte Canale from a three hectare vineyard planted with massale selected Trebbiano Abruzzese in the late 1940s to sandy limestone at 350m. The free run juice is spontaneously fermented in temperature controlled stainless steel. No malo. Unfined, unfiltered.
“The 2025 Trebbiano d'Abruzzo is quite savory, with wild herbs, musky citrus and nuances of wet stone. The palate is streamlined and precise, with a contrast of ripe pit fruits and orchard fruits enhanced by a bitter tinge of lemon pith. It tapers off long and cleansing with a salty flourish and hints of tart lime.” 92 points – Vinous
“The 2023 Trebbiano d'Abruzzo opens with a vivid bouquet of yellow apples, incense, chamomile and a dusting of confectionary spice. It contrasts salty mineral tones, sour lime and Granny Smith tartness with juicy acidity to create a tense yet zesty performance on the palate. This leaves a citrusy concentration that puckers the cheeks as hints of sour melon fade. Masterfully done. In my opinion, the Trebbiano d'Abruzzo is one of the most overlooked and underrated wines in the Tiberio portfolio.” 93 points - Eric Guido, Vinous
“Luminous green-tinged yellow. Very pure nose that is more floral than usual but also more intense, with yellow and green apples, fresh citrus fruits, pear, white flowers, and a nuance of anise on the enticing nose; I can’t remember the last time this wine had a nose that was so impressive. Then at once densely packed and racy, with superb cut and clarity to the flavors of white fruit, lime and crushed stone, complicated by an obvious candied gingery note. With its bracing, almost youthfully high-acid finish, but buffered by ripe fruit of sneaky concentration and complexity this leaves a very impressive lingering aftertaste behind. At times with even very good Trebbiano d’Abruzzo wines you get a piercing mouthful of wine but not much in the way of facets: the great thing about this 2023 from Tiberio is that, though bigger and more textured than some previous vintages, it remains very faithful to the variety and kicks things up quite a few notches, without ever becoming tiresome or caricatural. It’s just an outstanding vintage for the grape variety and this wine showcases that in spades, and then some. One of the best Trebbiano d’Abruzzo wines from Tiberio in years; in many respects, this is really a baby Fonte Canale, so you know this offers a ton of value for the money.”
93 points. Drink 2026-2031 - Ian D’Agata, Terroir Sense
Tiberio Colline Pescaresi IGP ‘Fonte Canale’ (Trebbiano Abruzzese)
Read the Fonte Canale story HERE.
Ian D’Agata’s Fonte Canale vertical 2011-2019 HERE.
Fonte Canale is produced from 736 vines trained to pergola Abruzzese in the 1920s. The parcel covers 1.5 hectares at 350 metres with limestone soils and a sandstone-rich bedrock. These vines represent a unique biotype, named ‘Fonte Canale’, of the already rare Trebbiano Abruzzese that has mutated and adapted to the mountain climate over a century. The free run juice is spontaneously fermented in temperature controlled stainless steel. It ages in stainless steel and bottle for 18 months before release. No malo. Unfined, unfiltered.
“Is the 2023 Fonte Canale the best one ever made? I used to think it was a battle between the 2015 and 2018 Fonte Canale’s especially, but the more I retaste this wine the more I think it is not only at their level, but has surpassed them with age. Perhaps it has to do that, for the first time, Cristiana Tiberio decided to press the skins in an effort to extract even more (using 600 millibars of pressure, still very low) but it has to be done with care because the thick canopy left in place to protect Trebbiano Abbruzzese’s thin skins from sunburn so you just can’t and press to your heart’s content (or if the vine were Guyot-trained). In any case, pressing the grapes now that the growing season has been shortened because of climate change is necessary, but at Tiberio they do it well and carefully. It shows in the superlative 2023 Fonte Canale, one of the best Italian whites ever made.” 100 points – Ian d’Agata Wine Review
“The 2023 Bianco Fonte Canale is one of the most complex and mentally stimulating wines of the vintage. Its spice box bouquet reveals dried flowers, lemongrass, dusty sage, stone dust and white peach infused with lemon zest. Its textures are round and pliant, with a stern mineral core that adds salty tension to ripe nectarine fruit and tart green citrus. A cheek-puckering tinge of sour melon leads to a finish of tremendous length and youthfully chewy depth. Despite the vintage’s difficulties, Tiberio has created something very special here. 2027 – 2040
“The Tiberio vineyards look fantastic after the struggles of the 2024 vintage. While several vines did not recover, most of the ancient Trebbiano Abruzzese and Montepulciano vines are thriving thanks to a balanced and slightly rainy 2026 season. Spirits are high. On this trip, I toured all of the parcels planted with massal selections, as well as a new parcel planted entirely to trees. The idea behind this is to create a forest that will bring balance to the vineyards. As for the new releases, Tiberio’s Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo is once again a standout in the category. I also tasted every vintage of the Colle Vota, from 2014 to the newly minted 2022. Its aging potential is commendable, and the 2014 is still fresh as a daisy. Tiberio plans to release mixed six-packs of this wine in the near future, with two bottles each of 2018, 2019 and 2021. The 2023 Bianco Fonte Canale, now in bottle, no longer bears the name Trebbiano d’Abruzzo. After years of research and genetic testing, Cristiana Tiberio no longer believes that the DOC accurately represents her wine. Whereas most Trebbiano d’Abruzzo is a blend of Trebbiano Toscano and other varieties, the Fonte Canale is genetically confirmed to be 100% varietal Trebbiano Abruzzese. The 2023 is one of the best renditions of Fonte Canale I’ve ever tasted.” 98 points – Vinous.
“...a nose bursting with stoney, minerally, chalky notes, cut Amalfi lemon and a white pepper tingle. A big squeeze of lemony juice that electrifies the palate. Nothing less than spectacular.”
18 points. Drink 2024-2036 - Jancis Robinson.
Tiberio Colline Pescaresi IGP ‘Quarmari’ (Pecorino)
“Bright medium golden yellow. Delicately nuanced aromas of candied lemon, sage, peach, stem ginger, acacia, and flint are complicated by a whisper of banana and an intensely pure mineral undertone. There’s sneaky but building intensity and concentration to its fresh and energetic yellow fruit, ginger and mineral flavours. Laser-like but harmonious acidity provides excellent cut to the powerful, tactile mouthfeel that lingers impressively on the vibrant, saline back end. A little cellaring will help this smoothen out further and gain in volume, while focusing further its remarkable minerality and purity. Not unlike a medium-bodied Burgundy Chardonnay from a cool site, the Pecorino Quarmarì differs considerably from the regular Tiberio Pecorino wine (though they are made in the same way: destemmed bunches, naturally sedimented, fermentation in stainless steel with indigenous yeast and matured one year in stainless steel tanks before being bottled) in that it is less marked by the botanical herbs of the regular wine and is far more mineral. Only 1500 bottles made and it’s basically already all sold out; unfortunately, there will never be more than 2000 bottles of this wine made a year, because it is made with the Pecorino grapes that grow in the central part of Tiberio’s 25 years old vineyard that are of a different biotype than that growing in the eastern and western flanks of the same vineyard. Therefore, there’s only so many of those grapes with which to make the wine. If you like a good Chablis Blanchots, you’ll love this. 2026 – 2032” 98 points - Ian D’Agata
“The 2023 Pecorino Quarmari sneaks up on you with a bouquet that starts quite understated and coy but becomes explosive with time. A burst of crushed rocks and sage gives way to nuances of green apple and sweet spice. It possesses a deep, glycerol-like texture, nearly oily in feel, with tart orchard fruits and masses of stimulating citrus further enhanced by a core of brisk acidity. The 2023 finishes with a gentle tannic heft, leaving hints of salted lime to linger. The Quarmari takes Pecorino to a whole new level. 2025 – 2032” 96 points - Vinous
Tiberio Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo DOP (Montepulciano)
This traditional example (dark pink) comes from a four hectare, south facing vineyard planted in 2001 to limestone soils at 350 metres. The fruit is destemmed. There is no pressing, just the free run juice spontaneously fermented in temperature controlled stainless steel. Unfined, unfiltered, wonderful.
“The 2025 Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo is wonderfully perfumed with rose petals, wild strawberries and blueberries plus complementary nuances of wet concrete after a spring rain. Seamless, soft textures host vibrant wild berry fruits and a core of zesty acidity. With immaculate form and grace, the 2025 leaves a mineral crunch and a tart citrus inflection. The Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo hails from a single parcel of south-facing vines planted in 2000. What a beauty.” 93 points – Vinous
“Beautiful pink-fuchsia colour. Very intense aromas and flavors of flowers and red fruit, this is at once rich and dense, and is one of the better Cerausolo wines made by Tiberio of late (save perhaps for the marvellous 2022). Fleshy, tactile and perfumed, the notes of strawberry, red cherry, and vanilla flowers jump from the glass and linger impressively.” 95 points, Drink 2025-2028 – Ian D’Agata, Terroir Sense
“The 2024 Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo is impossible to ignore. It has a vivid, perfumed bouquet of black cherry and wild blueberry, complemented by sweet lavender tones and hints of spice. This possesses amazing complexity and inner perfume. Violet florals arc across the palate as the Cerasuolo finishes long and slightly tart. In 2024, Cristiana Tiberio used all of her Montepulciano fruit to bolster the Cerasuolo. This is not to be missed.” 94 points – Eric Guido, Vinous
Tiberio Montepulciano d'Abruzzo DOP
The fruit for this exceptional wine comes from an eight hectare, south-facing vineyard situated at 350 meters above sea level. The vines are Massal selections that were carefully propagated from the estate’s original Montepulciano plantings – the Archivio vines – in 2000. Fermentation occurs spontaneously in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks. Malolactic fermentation occurs naturally. There is no maceration and the wine ages in stainless steel, spending a few months in bottle before release. It is bottled unfined, unfiltered and one of the finest examples of the grape variety.
“A burst of wild berry fruits, sweet herbal tones and dusty violet flowers introduces the highly expressive 2023 Montepulciano d'Abruzzo. This soaks the palate with depths of mineral-infused red and black fruit as crisp tannins coat the senses. Saturating and long, it finishes structured yet fresh with a raspberry concentration that puckers the cheeks. The 2023 is a powerhouse that possesses a level of complexity well above its price point. Readers should note that there will not be any Montepulciano from the 2024 vintage.” – 93 points – Eric Guido, Vinous
“Spicy to the core, the 2022 Montepulciano d'Abruzzo wafts up with a blend of crushed cherries and wild berries, dusty violets, lavender and traces of incense. This is elegant in feel with silken textures and rich red and blue fruits. A crisp mineral sensation forms toward the close. The 2022 leaves the palate drenched in primary concentration, finishing with edgy tannins offset by a spike of residual acidity. Frankly, it's incredible that this is Tiberio's entry-level red, as the 2022 displays impressive depth and complexity. It's also a tremendous value. This is the total package.” 94 points – Eric Guido, Vinous
“Good bright ruby-red. Blackberry, red cherry and dark plum on the nose, complicated by smoky minerals and an enticing whiff of blood orange. Enters fresh and juicy but with a distinctly luscious quality to its very ripe dark berry and cherry flavours, freshened by repeating nuances of blood orange. Closes broad and lush, with a saline element, hints of sweet spices and Montepulciano’s typical substantial tannins. This was obviously a good vintage for the Montepulciano variety.” 93 points. Drink 2024-2029 – Ian D’Agata, Terroir Sense
Tiberio Montepulciano d'Abruzzo DOP ‘Archivio’
“And another future Italian wine star is born.” – Ian D’Agata, Terroir Sense
In production since 2017, Archivio is from Tiberio’s oldest plot of Montepulciano – 1.5 hectares of pergola Abruzzese trained vines at 380 metres in limestone and clay (the only Tiberio site with a strong presence of the latter). This vineyard is the source of all of Tiberio’s Montepulciano and contains 4 biotypes. Darker and with greater density to their other Montepulciano wines, oak is uniquely employed due to this vineyards greater need for oxygenation.
Spontaneously fermented for 40 days in temperature controlled stainless steel. Spontaneous malolactic fermentation. 30% is aged for 12 months in new barrique and 70% in stainless steel, followed by 12 months in bottle. Unfined, unfiltered.
Investigate this special site and its biotypes HERE.
“The 2022 Montepulciano d’Abruzzo Archivio is a spice box of balsamic black cherries, ground clove, incense, rosemary and smoky crushed stone. It’s more vibrant and refined than expected, with silken textures and ripe red berry fruits that saturate toward the close. This presents beautifully integrated tannins, finishing firm and poised but still fresh with a tart raspberry concentration. Tiberio has mastered the oak integration in the Archivio. This is a spectacular showing.” 95 points – Vinous
“Fully saturated purple-ruby, and really very Montepulciano: no skin contact, and yet the wine is basically inky black in colour. High-toned aromas of raspberry and resiny oak give volume and flesh to juicy and penetrating raw dark berry and ripe red cherry flavours complicated by notes of spices, coffee, ink, and dark chocolate. Finishes with fine tannins and repeating elements of ink, coffee, and cocoa. Nicely tactile and full-bodied, this is a very good Archivo. First made in 2017, this is the only Tiberio wine that is matured in oak (30% of the total only, and in two types of 100% new French oak barrels for 12 months). Whatever you do, make sure you decant this two to three hours ahead at least, or double decant and keep the bottle open for six hours.” (2021) 95+ points – Ian D’Agata Wine Review
"Bright deep ruby. Aromas of raspberry nectar, blackberry, espresso, minerals and sandalwood. Penetrating, linear and youthfully imploded, with raspberry and dark red cherry fruit flavours of noteworthy energy and focus. Harmonious acidity and suave but noteworthy tannins provide backbone to the ripe, creamy fruit flavours. Finishes long with superb inner-mouth tension, but patience will be required to have it develop fully in a good cellar." 94+ points. Drink 2027-2031 - Ian D’Agata Wine Review
Tiberio Montepulciano d'Abruzzo DOP ‘Colle Vota’
A single, 1.6 hectare site of massale selected Montepulciano planted in 2000 at 350 metres on limestone and marly-clay over sandstone. Spontaneously fermented for 20 days in temperature controlled stainless steel. Aged in stainless steel and a few months in bottle before release. Spontaneous malolactic fermentation. Unfined, unfiltered.
“Cristiana Tiberio gets a lot of praise for her Fonte Canale, which is well deserved, but that's not the only wine from this cellar worth hunting for. The Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Colle Vota comes from a particularly stony portion of the Tiberio vineyards and displays a character that transports me to the Rhône, bringing Rayas and Chateau de Tours to mind. It’s unlike any Montepulciano I’ve ever encountered.” Eric Guido, Vinous and The Cellar Table
Colle Vota is a unique example of both place and grape variety that is renowned for its elegance as it develops into a new biotype of Montepulciano. One of the great wines of Abruzzo. For in-depth detail on this regal wine see HERE.
“The 2022 Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Colle Vota is darkly alluring and pleasantly earthy. A beguiling bouquet of crushed ashen stones and smoky grilled herbs gives way to crushed blackberries and ground cloves. This is elegant in feel, like liquid cashmere on the palate, with brisk acidity supporting its notable weight as tart wild berry fruits slowly saturate. This finishes youthfully firm and structured, with nuances of licorice and edgy tannins that add a crunchy sensation. This vintage of Colle Vota will require patience.” 95 points – Vinous.
“Wildly perfumed and elegant from the first tilt of the glass, the 2021 Montepulciano d’Abruzzo Colle Vota wafts up with a bouquet of confectionary spices, dusty dried flowers, incense and dried strawberries. This is graceful and lifted in feel, with chalky mineral tones and woodland berries propelled by tantalizing acidity. A savory herbal tinge lingers through the long and tannic finish as the Colle Vota tapers off with tremendous length and a resonance of lavender pastille. It’s a radiant Montepulciano built for the cellar.” 96 points – Vinous
“The 2020 Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Colle Vota is a spice box on the nose, with wilted violets and hints of spiced-orange, white smoke, clove and dried black cherries. It's pleasantly sweet upon entry, with a cool toned feel and lavender-laced wild berry fruits that gain in tension and complexity as a flinty-mineral concentration forms toward the close. This resonates like liquid velvet, leaving sweet tannins offset by hints of sour citrus, finishing long and potent. The balance within is otherworldly. This elegant and harmonious Colle Vota will pay dividends in the cellar, and I wouldn't be surprised if it warrants a higher score down the road.” 96+ points - Eric Guido, Vinous
“Good deep, bright red. Knockout aromas and flavours of dark fruits, violet, licorice, menthol and flint. Dense but seamless, with wonderfully precise broad, palate-staining red fruit and mineral flavours. Offers a texture of liquid velvet but also boasts a light touch that is very Colle Vota. The long aftertaste features fine-grained tannins, wonderful class and depth.” 95 points. Drink 2026-2031 - Ian D’Agata, Terroir Sense
