Federica Lauterio, was born in Abruzzo, Italy. She initially pursued studies in Agriculture, but she soon discovered her true passion lay in Enology. This realization led her to Friuli, where she earned a degree in Viticulture and Enology from the University of Udine.
Federica’s winemaking career began in Abruzzo, California, and Sicily where she completed her first harvest. Following this, she gained invaluable experience with harvests in Australia and New Zealand within just eight months. She then settled in Sicily for eight years, where she honed her skills managing a winery and overseeing the production of a diverse range of Sicilian wines.
In 2016, Federica returned to her roots in Abruzzo to join Cantina Zaccagnini. She has been integral to various processes, from selecting suppliers to overseeing vinification and aging. Today, she proudly serves as the head enologist, leading the winemaking operations at Cantina Zaccagnini.
Media Inquiries: fgubernari@colangelopr.com | https://www.cantinazaccagnini.it/en/
What’s the ONE THING most unique, authentic, memorable about your brand?
The Zaccagnini winery was founded in 1979 in Bolognano, a small village in the province of Pescara, where Marcello Zaccagnini, together with his family, embarked on grape and wine production. Driven by the tenacity typical of the Abruzzese and a determination to realize his winemaking dream, he set out on this journey. With the support of a close-knit team of trusted collaborators and a brilliant idea—to attach a small vine cutting to each bottle—Marcello succeeded in bringing his wine to tables around the world, finding success and fulfillment in his vision.
Describe how and what you’d do with your winemaking career or winery business if you were not constrained. Sky’s the limit!
I’m very happy with how my work is going and what I’ve achieved so far, even though there’s still so much to learn. The beauty of working with grapes and wine is that, while we use the same techniques, taste, aroma, and the timing of harvest or blending always make a difference. If I had more time, I’d travel and bring my collaborators with me, giving everyone the chance to understand how different this industry is on the other side of the world and how distinct the aromas and descriptors of the same variety can be when cultivated in another country. Another thing I’d love to do is to rediscover some ancient varieties. There aren’t many in Abruzzo, but I’d like to cultivate one and produce just a few bottles each year, using them exclusively for our enjoyment with my colleagues.
What is the One Wine most emblematic of your brand and/or winemaking style? Tell us its story.
Tralcetto Montepulciano d’Abruzzo is undoubtedly our wine—the one for which the winery was founded in 1979. A small vine cutting has been placed on every single bottle, making it the best-selling Montepulciano in many countries worldwide. Montepulciano is a native Abruzzese grape that has long been valued for its body, its color, and its tannins, which are so intriguing to tame and soften over the years. With each new harvest, it’s always a challenge to anticipate the aromas during fermentation, the transformation from must to wine, and the evolution during aging in different tonneaux and barrels, both French and American oak, which add complexity and longevity to our flagship product, sold and appreciated worldwide for its uniqueness.
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What are your wholehearted convictions related to the wine business? Not about your wines!
I was fortunate to study at one of the most renowned universities for viticulture and enology in Italy, where I met colleagues from all over Italy, Europe, and even from America, Brazil, Argentina. And you know, when you grow up and start working, it’s nice to know that a dear friend—someone with whom you shared study time, late nights in the cellar, and trips to explore other wineries—is now leading that winery you admire so much. In short, I believe that relationships and shared experiences are the foundation of a bond that only grows stronger in the world of wine.