In their own way, the wines of Abruzzo are a force to be reckoned with. Nestled between the Adriatic Sea and the Gran Sasso and Majella massifs in the Apennine Mountains, Abruzzo enjoys a climate characterized by notable temperature variations – an ideal climate is for winemaking. The region's viticulture spans an area of 36,000 hectares – the area with the greatest production is that of the Colline Teatine, located around the province of Chieti which is about 20 minutes west of Pescara, Abruzzo's seaside capital.
Abruzzo's three signature wines are the white Trebbiano, the Cerasuolo rosé made from Montepulciano grapes, and the red Montepulciano, and these vines have been joined by varietals that also yield interesting wines.
Pecorino (not to be confused with the cheese) puts forth structured aromatic whites while the wines made from Passerina and Cococciola are delicate and fragrant that are best sipped young. Of particular note is the Tullum DOCG. Born in 2019, it's the smallest in Italy, cultivating Montepulciano, Pecorino, and Passerina.
Below of five of the best wines of Abruzzo. For wine lovers looking to acquaint themselves with the area, the Abruzzo Wine Protection Consortium has created an app called Routes - Abruzzo of Wine and Culture, which can be downloaded for free from its website.
1. Valentini Trebbiano d'Abruzzo 2016
Not only is this one of Abruzzo's best whites, but also one of Italy's best. This Trebbiano can age for years, acquiring depth and complexity. This true cult wine for aficionados is savory with aromas of citrus and freshly cut grass. Pair it with baked fish. tel. 085.8291138
2. Torre dei Beati Abruzzo Pecorino Giocheremo con i Fiori 2019
Floral. citrusy, herbaceous, and mineral, this medium-bodied white is made from organically farmed grapes. An excellent representation of the Pecorino, it's great alongside warm seafood salad. website
3. Cataldi Madonna Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo Piè delle Vigne 2018
This flavorful rosé has aromas of berries, spices, and aromatic herbs and a salty, juicy finish. Sip it with fish soup. website
4. Valle Reale, Montepulciano d’Abruzzo Vineyard Sant’Eusanio 2018
Intense, concentrated, and deep, this wine exemplifies the characteristics of biodynamically farmed grapes. Its musky and red fruit jam aromas go well with rich grilled meat. website
5. Feudo Antico Tullum Passerina 2019
Light, fragrant, and fruity, this white wine is made from Passerina, a recently revived indigenous grape variety. Serve it at 10°C/50°F and pair it with squid and zucchini risotto. website
Cover photo: Beautiful landscape of Montepulciano D'Abruzzo vineyards. Credit: Getty Images/
Giuseppe Mosca