- Wines >
- Abruzzo
Designations and production
The best areas for viticulture in Abruzzo extend from the first line of hills behind the Adriatic beaches, often no more than 2 or 3 km, up to the most mountainous, wild hinterland of the Apennine chain, to the slopes of the Majella and Gran Sasso. The northern part of the region, where the hills of Teramo are, is famous for the production of excellent Trebbiano d’Abruzzo white wines and Montepulciano reds and it is here that we can find the only DOCG in the region, the Montepulciano d’Abruzzo Colline Teramane DOCG. Moving down towards Chieti and Pescara, as well as the Abruzzo DOC on a regional scale, we also have the Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo, Controguerra, Trebbiano, and Montepulciano d’Abruzzo DOCs.
Abruzzo grape varieties
The two most cultivated and vinified grape varieties in Abruzzo are Trebbiano and Montepulciano. Both grapes can produce very fresh and fruity wines if they are processed simply, or more sophisticated, structured and wines with impressive body if they are aged in wood for certain periods of time. Montepulciano grapes are also used to produce a very fruity rosé Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo. The native Pecorino grape variety also deserves a mention, which is a white wine variety that is common across the region.
Tasting profile
Trebbiano d’Abruzzo has a pale straw yellow colour, with fruity hints of apple and peach. It is soft on the palate despite the pleasant citrus finish. In the Riserva version, after being aged in wood, it acquires a bright gold colour, intense hints of honey and spices, body, and a soft taste. The bright ruby red Montepulciano d’Abruzzo is a juicy wine with small fruits from young black grape varieties and is fresh, tannic, and refreshing. It is more firmly structured and intense in colour after a few months of ageing in wood. An excellent meditation wine.
The perfect pairing
The wide diversity of wines, traditions and landscapes in Abruzzo is a source of inspiration for a series of regional pairings with an enviable taste. Starting with a fritto misto on the Adriatic coast, wonderfully paired with a young, aromatic Trebbiano d’Abruzzo. Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo can be a great pairing for chitarrina alla Teramana, a specific type of long pasta seasoned with a tomato and meatball sauce. Finally, a Montepulciano d’Abruzzo is a sublime pairing for a generous portion of lamb skewers.
