Abruzzo (160)

 Winegrowing in the Abruzzo

The first vineyards in Abruzzo were planted by the Etruscans in the 7th century BC and have been praised by Greek and Roman historians and writers in later times. Today, approximately four million hectoliters of wine are produced annually on about 33,000 hectares of vineyard area, largely by cooperative wineries. For this reason, around 90% are everyday and mass wines, which hold more or less local significance. However, since the 2000s, a growing number of winemakers have begun a movement to improve the quality of the wines, which is now reflected in a number of excellent wineries.

Climate and Soil in Abruzzo

The vineyards in Abruzzo stretch from the coast towards the Apennines, reaching heights of up to 600 meters. Therefore, the climate varies by region, characterized by sometimes extreme temperature differences between day and night and between summer and winter. Both at the coast and in the hilly areas, a calcareous clay soil predominates. However, there are also areas with sandy and gravelly soils.

The Main Grape Varieties for Abruzzo Wine

The clear number 1 among grape varieties is the red Montepulciano d'Abruzzo, an approachable wine with a pleasant fruitiness and low bitterness, particularly suited as a companion to Italian cuisine. The Montepulciano d'Abruzzo should not be confused with the Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, which comes from Tuscany.

Depending on the growing area, the pressed wine must contain 85 to 95% Montepulciano and may be blended with 5 to 15% other approved grapes. The result is typically a red wine with an alcohol content of about 14% Vol., with strong tannins and intense aromas. The Montepulciano is not suitable for long aging. Matured in barriques, it lasts about five to eight years.

A special feature is the Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo. This is a rosé made from the Montepulciano grape, also popular in Germany, which is quite robust and should not necessarily be regarded as a refreshing and light summer wine.

Among the white grapes, Trebbiano dominates, from which winemakers produce the DOC wine Trebbiano d'Abruzzo. For this classification, it must come from one of over 170 approved municipalities in the provinces of L'Aquila, Chieti, Teramo, or Pescara and contain at least 85% Trebbiano or Bombino Bianco. The remaining percentage may consist of other approved varieties. For several years now, some winemakers have also been experimenting with the indigenous varieties Pecorino and Cococciola, which have long been overlooked.

Other Grape Varieties for Abruzzo Wine

In addition to the aforementioned grape varieties, the following grapes are used for wine production on a significantly smaller scale.

Reds:

• Sangiovese

• Barbera

• Ciliegiolo

• Cabernet Franc

• Cabernet Sauvignon

• Merlot

• Pinot Nero

Whites:

• Trebbiano Toscano

• Verdicchio

• Malvasia (indigenous)

• Passerina (indigenous)

• Chardonnay

Classifications in Abruzzo

In the region, eight wines fall under the DOC classification:

• Abruzzo

• Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo

• Controguerra

• Montepulciano d'Abruzzo

• Ortona

• Terre Tolesi or Tullum (DOCG)

• Trebbiano d'Abruzzo

• Villamagna

The highest quality level can be found in the DOCG area of Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Colline Teramane. There, red and rosé wines are produced, with red wines allowed to carry the designation "Riserva" after two years of aging.

Additionally, the following IGT wines are available:

• Colli Aprutini

• Colli del Sangro

• Colli Frentane

• Colline Pescaresi

• Colline Teatine

• Del Vastese or Histonium

• Terre Aquilane

• Terre di Chieti

• Valle Peligna

Order Abruzzo Wines Online at VINELLO

In recent decades - and this is still largely true today - mass production of everyday wines has dominated this Italian wine-growing region. However, numerous winemakers have now taken the step to forgo high yields and instead focus on quality over quantity. VINELLO supports these plans and has entered into partnerships with some of these wineries. These include producers Tenuta Ulisse, Farnese, Cantine San Marzano, Citra Vini, and Talamonti. Our sommeliers recommend: Try the wonderful wines from these up-and-coming winemakers! Fans of Italian wine culture will surely incorporate them into their personal enjoyment program.

Are you eager to plan your own exploration of Abruzzo? Just browse our selection - VINELLO offers numerous wonderful classics and exciting new discoveries. Explore the diversity of wine and also benefit from our sommelier advice. Secure shopping and guaranteed prompt delivery ensure that your journey of enjoyment can begin quickly and lead you directly to wine pleasure.