A Living Past that expresses, in the character of its wines, all the mystery of Nature.

ABOUT US

A Bridge Between Past and Present

In 2017, Roberto Fracassa and Alessandro Massacesi acquired a historic vineyard in the Teramane Hills with the aim of producing great Abruzzese wines from native grape varieties.

Today, Tenuta De Sterlich is a certified organic and biodynamic wine estate, deeply attentive to nature and biodiversity. The property extends over approximately 23 hectares in a single contiguous plot within the municipality of Mosciano Sant’Angelo, at around 210 meters above sea level, between the Gran Sasso massif and the Adriatic Sea.

The age of the vines, controlled yields, respect for nature, and a constant commitment to research make each vintage a distinctive edition, allowing us to produce true terroir-driven wines—unique expressions that follow one another year after year.

We tenaciously preserve the memory, mystery, and creative identity of this land, shaping our own vision of organic and biodynamic viticulture through the idea of an ideal bridge between territory, cultural heritage, memory, and wine.

WINES

Craftsmanship and Terroir

Our vision of wine is born from a deep love for the land and a passion for outstanding organic and biodynamic wines. This philosophy is expressed in every gesture, from the vineyard to the bottle, as a tribute to tradition and territory. At De Sterlich, the harmony between nature, craftsmanship, and knowledge is translated into an authentic oenological experience, guided by care and profound respect for the raw material.

This constant commitment to the pursuit of excellence drives us to create wines that are true expressions of passion and terroir. Each sip reveals history, artistry, and the essence of Italy’s pure winemaking tradition—a union of dedication and authenticity that makes every bottle a work of nature.

ESTATE

An Oasis of Heritage and Tradition

Our vineyards of Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, Trebbiano d’Abruzzo, and Pecorino rise like ancient sculptures. These historic vines—whose age places them within the definition of a “historic vineyard”—date back more than sixty years. Despite their very low yields, approximately 60 quintals per hectare, they produce grapes of remarkable quality and balance.

Our vineyards represent a true viticultural heritage of the region.

HERITAGE

The De Sterlich Family

The De Sterlich family, of Austrian origin, arrived in Naples in the early years of the 16th century. From the following century onward, the family settled in Abruzzo, in the province of Teramo, where it held lordship over Scorrano and Cermignano, becoming an integral part of the region’s political, cultural, and agricultural history.

Through the possession of Scorrano, the De Sterlich family is linked to the ancient feudal lineages of the village, whose origins date back to the 12th century and which, over time, converged within the same family. In 1706, the family was granted the title of Marquis of Cermignano; among its members was Romualdo De Sterlich, a prominent figure of Enlightenment thought.

In the 18th century, Marquis Rinaldo De Sterlich assumed ownership and management of the former fiefs of the ducal family of Acquaviva d’Aragona, which became extinct in 1760. The De Sterlich Aliprandi family later played a significant role in the development of Abruzzese oenology: in the second half of the 19th century, Baron Aliprandi supported and financed the School of Wine in Montepulciano, promoting a modern and enlightened vision of viticulture.

This legacy of knowledge, vision, and commitment to the land forms the cultural foundation upon which the identity of Tenuta De Sterlich is built today.

TERRITORY AND ORIGINS

Origins of Viticulture in Abruzzo

Viticulture in Abruzzo has very ancient origins, dating back to the pre-Roman era. From early times, Italic peoples such as the Aequi, Marsi, Peligni, and Vestini devoted themselves to wine production, which played a central role both in religious rites and in social life. Numerous classical sources, including Ovid, Polybius, and Pliny the Elder, already praised the quality of local wines.

Over the centuries, the art of viticulture in this region evolved significantly, thanks in part to the decisive contribution of the Cistercian monks. A notable example is the vineyard of Santa Maria d’Arabona, located in the municipality of Manoppello (Pescara), recognized as the oldest vineyard in the area.

Today, Abruzzo ranks among the top five Italian regions for wine production. Abruzzese wine, a symbol of excellence and tradition, fully reflects the richness and diversity of the regional landscape.

Today, through the integration of ancient traditions and modern techniques, the region once again demonstrates its ability to transform historical heritage into contemporary excellence.