Controvento is the small, family winery of Vincenzo (“Enzo”) Di Meo in Rocca San Giovanni, Abruzzo, a few kilometres from the Adriatic Sea. The story begins in 1978, when Enzo’s father planted the first vines; Enzo later took over and grew the estate to about five hectares within the protected Fosso delle Farfalle area.

The name means “against the wind.” It sums up Enzo’s way of working: go his own way, keep things simple, and let the place speak. Vineyards are farmed organically and by hand. In the cellar he relies on native yeasts, avoids fining and filtration, and works with little to no added sulfites, aiming for wines that taste clear and honest.

Grapes are mostly local: Montepulciano and Trebbiano lead the plantings, with small amounts of Passerina, Fiano, and Malvasia. Most wines ferment and rest in stainless steel to keep fruit and freshness at the center. The nearby sea and calcareous soils give a gentle salty lift and easy drinkability—bottles built for the table rather than the trophy shelf.

Enzo’s motivation is straightforward: make clean, nourishing wines with as little interference as possible, trusting the sun, the sea breeze, and steady manual work. You will find that idea printed on his labels and echoed across his bottles year after year.

If you’re new to Controvento, expect reds that are supple and food-friendly and whites that are bright and lightly saline. Open, pour, and enjoy without fuss—these are natural wines made for everyday moments with friends and simple meals.