Abruzzo Wine
Explore Abruzzo Wine: Grape Varieties & Wine Varietals
Over the last few years, we’ve spent quite a bit of time in Italy. To maximize our enjoyment, we’ve done a lot of research into Italy’s wine regions, including Abruzzo. Following is a summary of the information we’ve collected.
Grape Varieties in Abruzzo
Red Grapes
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo is the flagship red wine of the Abruzzo region, crafted from the Montepulciano grape variety. Known for its deep color, soft tannins, and flavors of black cherry, plum, and subtle spice, this wine offers a smooth, approachable style that pairs well with a variety of dishes. Produced in both fresh, everyday-drinking versions and more structured Riserva bottlings, Montepulciano d’Abruzzo reflects the region’s balance of tradition, craftsmanship, and value.
White Grapes
Trebbiano d’Abruzzo
Trebbiano d’Abruzzo is the region’s most prominent white wine, made from the Trebbiano grape variety. It is known for its crisp acidity, light body, and fresh flavors of citrus, green apple, and almond. Often enjoyed as a refreshing, food-friendly white, Trebbiano d’Abruzzo pairs well with seafood, salads, and light pasta dishes. Quality-focused producers craft versions with added complexity and minerality, showcasing the grape’s potential beyond its simple, easy-drinking reputation.
Wine Varietals in Abruzzo
There are seven (7) Denominazione di Origine Controllata (DOC) zones and two (2) Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita (DOCG) zones in Abruzzo.
Red Wines
Colline Teramane DOCG
The Colline Teramane DOCG, a subregion within the Montepulciano d’Abruzzo DOC area, is located in the province of Teramo. It includes vineyards situated in Teramo and 30 surrounding communes. Originally established as a DOC in 1995, the region received DOCG status in 2003.
The regulations for this wine are similar to those for Montepulciano d’Abruzzo; however, it must be composed of at least 90% Montepulciano, with a maximum of 10% Sangiovese allowed.
Tullum DOCG
Tullum DOCG, also referred to as Terre Tollesi, is situated near the center of Abruzzo’s coastline.
Starting with the 2019 harvest, Tullum DOCG has been a red wine made from Montepulciano (minimum 95%).
White Wines
Trebbiano d’Abruzzo DOC
Trebbiano d’Abruzzo DOC provinces of Chieti, L’Aquila, Pescara and Teramo.
Other Wines
DOC Wines
Abruzzo produced in the provinces of Chieti, L’Aquila, Pescara and Teramo.
Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo produced in the provinces of Chieti, L’Aquila, Pescara and Teramo.
Controguerra produced in the province of Teramo.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo produced in the provinces of Chieti, L’Aquila, Pescara and Teramo.
Terre Tollesi or ¨Tullum¨, produced in the province of Chieti.
Villamagna produced in the province of Chieti.
IGT Wines
Alto Tirino produces three types of wine: Bianco (normale, Frizzante, Passito), Rosato (normale, Frizzante, Novello), and Rosso (normale, Frizzante, Passito, Novello) in the province of L’Aquila.
Colli Aprutini produces Bianco (in the styles normale, Frizzante, and Passito), Rosato (in the styles normale, Frizzante, and Novello), and Rosso (in the styles normale, Frizzante, Passito, and Novello) in the province of Teramo.
Colli del Sangro produces Bianco (in styles normale, Frizzante, and Passito), Rosato (in styles normale, Frizzante, and Novello), and Rosso (in styles normale, Frizzante, Passito, and Novello) in the province of Chieti.
Colline Frentane produces Bianco (in the styles normale, Frizzante, and Passito), Rosato (in the styles normale, Frizzante, and Novello), and Rosso (in the styles normale, Frizzante, Passito, and Novello) in the province of Chieti.
Colline Pescaresi wines include Bianco (in normale, sparkling, and passito styles), Rosato (in normal, sparkling, and Novello styles), and Rosso (in normal, sparkling, passito, and Novello styles), produced in the province of Pescara.
Colline Teatine wines include Bianco (available in normale, Frizzante, and Passito styles), Rosato (available in normale, Frizzante, and Novello styles), and Rosso (available in normale, Frizzante, Passito, and Novello styles) produced in the province of Chieti.
Del Vastese or Histonium is produced in the province of Chieti, including Bianco in the styles of normale, Frizzante, and Passito; Rosato in the styles of normale, Frizzante, and Novello; and Rosso in the styles of normale, Frizzante, Passito, and Novello.
FAQs About Abruzzo Wine
What kind of wine is Abruzzo?
Abruzzo is known for producing a range of traditional Italian wines, with Montepulciano d’Abruzzo (red) and Trebbiano d’Abruzzo (white) being the most iconic. The region’s wines are often crafted from indigenous grape varieties and reflect a balance of bold flavors and approachable styles. In addition to these, Abruzzo also produces Pecorino and Passerina whites, as well as rosé wines labeled Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo.
Is D’Abruzzo wine dry or sweet?
Most D’Abruzzo wines are dry. Montepulciano d’Abruzzo is typically a dry red wine with soft tannins and moderate acidity, while Trebbiano d’Abruzzo produces dry, crisp white wines. Some producers may craft off-dry or sweet dessert wines in small quantities, but the region is primarily known for its dry styles.
What does Abruzzo wine taste like?
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo often features flavors of black cherry, plum, and subtle spice, with a smooth, medium-bodied profile. It’s known for its soft tannins and approachable character. Trebbiano d’Abruzzo offers fresh notes of citrus, green apple, and almond, with a clean, crisp finish. Both wines are crafted to highlight fruit purity, making them versatile and food-friendly.
Is Montepulciano d’Abruzzo a good wine?
Yes, Montepulciano d’Abruzzo is widely regarded as a high-quality wine that delivers excellent value. Known for its consistency, soft texture, and ripe fruit flavors, it is approachable for everyday drinking but can also be found in more structured, age-worthy versions labeled Montepulciano d’Abruzzo Riserva. Its combination of quality and affordability has made it one of Italy’s most popular red wines internationally.