A BRUZZO: A Diverse & Scenic Region

A lesser known wine region, situated on the Adriatic coast east of Rome, Abruzzo is diverse and scenic and worth visiting for its amazing wines and native grapes

- Michèle Shah

Best known for its dramatic mountain scenery, Abruzzo’s landscape is surprisingly diverse with 65% of its land designated to national parks, such as the Gran Sasso and Parco della Majella. No other region in Italy or Europe can boast such extensive protected areas or diversity. For example, it’s possible to pick up live scampi from the coast at Giulianova, in the province of Teramo and within 40 minutes, at a distance of 30 km, you can reach the snowy peaks of the Gran Sasso, while stopping on your way to collect some truffles in Campli in Teramo. In a world of climate change, Abruzzo is able to seek out cooler areas for new plantings. Its viticulture can ‘climb’ the mountains and dig its new roots into virgin habitats and uncontaminated soil, untouched by the industrial activity of modern society. In a sense the ‘undeveloped’ aspect of Abruzzo has benefitted its agriculture.

The region has three main, historical DOCs, including the red Montepulciano d’Abruzzo and white Trebbiano d’Abruzzo. The third DOC of Controguerra also produces wines based on Montepulciano and other native grapes, although a small percentage of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc is permitted in the blend. Some of the most historic wines come from the Teramo area, where the DOCG exists for Montepulciano d’Abruzzo Colline Teramane, while some classic rosé wines, known as Cerasuolo, are under their own DOC appellation.