Abruzzo
Abruzzo’s average annual wine production of 300 million litres (5th in volume among the regions) includes 35% DOC/DOCG and 8% IGT. Red wine accounts for 60% of Abruzzo’s production.
In a nation of myriad appellations, Abruzzo offers wine drinkers refreshing clarity in the regionwide DOCs for Montepulciano and Trebbiano d’Abruzzo, which account for an abundance of good red and white wines along with a pit of Cerasuolo, a hearty rosé.
The region, whose surface is two-thirds mountains and one-third hills, boasts highly favourable conditions for vines. Growers generally favour the predominant Montepulciano and Trebbiano, though in recent times they’ve planted other varieties, some covered by the DOCs of Controguerra and Terre Tollesi, as well as the nine IGT appellations. The native Montepulciano (not to be confused with the town of that name in Tuscany where Vino Nobile is made) is a vine of convincing character that has been winning admirers abroad. Among Italy’s DOC-DOCG appellations, Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, with about 90 million bottles distinguished under the DOCG of Montepulciano d’Abruzzo Colline Teremane.
The rest of Montepulciano d’Abruzzo is DOC, applying to both the red wine and the cherry hued rosé of Cerasuolo. Two other subzones are noted: Casauria or Terre di Casauria and Terre dei Vestini. Much Trebbiano is based on the prolific Tuscan variety, which makes light, crisp whites of subtle aroma and flavour. Some growers work with the “true” Trebbiano d’Abruzzo. A choice few have managed to make Trebbiano of remarkable depth and texture, with a propensity to develop complexity over four or five years, sometimes more, of aging. Those wines are relatively rare.
The recently revived varieties of Passerina and Pecorino are making white wines of character in Abruzzo. IGT: Alto Tirino, Colli Aprutini, Colli del Sangro, Colline Frentane, Colline Pescaresi, Colline Teatine, Del Vastese or Histonium, Terre Aquilane or Terre de L’Aquila, Terre di Chieti, Valle Peligna. DOCG: Montepulciano d’Abruzzo Colline Teramane. DOC: Controguerra, Montepulciano d’Abruzzo (Casauria or Terre di Casauria, Colline Teramane, Terre dei Vestini), Terre Tollesi or Tullum, Trebbiano d’Abruzzo.