Abruzzo a region with an area of 10 755 km², with the range of Appennines and the Adriatic coast. The major part of territory is dominated by mountains and hills. One of the region’s top attractions is the Gran Sasso, a part of Appennines with picturesque caves formed by erosion, belonging to a large natural park, third largest in Italy.
The vite in Abruzzo dominated in Roman times, over the centuries having its better and worse moments. Today, the wines from Abruzzo enjoy wide popularity all over the world. The region‘s most famous wine is Montepulciano, a red wine from the Montepulciano grape, ruby red, warm and with soft tannins. Second largest grown is the Trebbiano d’Abruzzo, a white grape variety, equally popular are Passerina, Pecorino, Malvasia and Cerasuolo, a pink variety of Montepulciano.
In 2003 the Montepulciano di Abruzzo Teramane appellation was awarded DOCG status. There are also 8 DOC appellations, among which Controguerra, a red wine from Montepulciano with the addition of Cabernet Sauvignon, very fine and full-bodied.
Vineyards spread over 31 000 hectares, the provinces of Teramo, Chieti, Pescara are the main wine producing areas. The continental climate dominates in the mountainous area, or in the major part of the territory, while mild and warm along the coast of the Adriatic sea. Such location creates perfect conditions for grape growing, furthermore big day and night temperature differences and appropriate ventilation of air currents guarantee excellent quality of grapes. Abruzzo also means excellent extra virgin olive oil and saffron, classified as DOP products, protected designation of origin. An interesting thing is aglio rosso
, a red garlic, the only one in Italy, having its name and color due to ethereal oils, characterized by salubrious properties.
Once Abruzzo was named a bulk tank of most and wine
, now, however, it‘s a large cantina
, a place where quality wines are made. Not only family‘s wineries but also wine cooperatives have achieved this level lately, thanks to the skillful use of the oenological richness of this picturesque and sunny corner of Southern Italy.