Wines from Abruzzo

Abruzzo is an Italian wine region on the east (Adriatic) coast. Its immediate neighbors in central Italy are Marche to the north, Lazio to the west and southwest and Molise to the southeast.

Abruzzo is home to one DOCG – Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Colline Teramane – and three DOC wine designations. The red and Cerasuolo d'Abruzzoand  Montepulciano d'Abruzzo, and the white wine appellation Trebbiano d'Abruzzo are the most notable, followed by the lesser-known Controguerra.

The star grape varieties of the area are the native red Montepulciano and white Trebbiano. Supporting roles are played by a few international varieties such as Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, and natives such as Sangiovese, Passerina, Pecorino and Cococciola. The usual maturation process for Abruzzo wine is in oak. However, the Montepulciano Cerasuolo is aged in stainless steel.

Winemaking traditions in Abruzzo date back to the sixth century BC thanks to the Etruscans, who played a major role in introducing viniculture to the area. At that time Abruzzo's vineyards were generally focused around the Peligna valley in the province of L'Aquila. (© Wine-Searcher).