Abruzzo

Abruzzo is a region on the east (Adriatic) coast of central Italy, situated halfway up the 'boot’. Its immediate neighbors are Marche to the north, Lazio to the west and south-west and Molise to the south-east.

Abruzzo is home to one DOCG – Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Colline Teramane – and three DOCs: the red and Cerasuolo Montepulciano d’Abruzzo and the white Trebbiano d’Abruzzo are the most noteable, followed by the lesser-known Controguerra. The star grape varieties of the area are the native red Montepulciano and white Trebbiano, with minor roles being played by a few international varieties such as Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, and natives such as Sangiovese, Passerina, Pecorino and Cococciola. The usual maturation process for Abruzzo wine is in oak. However, the Montepulciano Cerasuolo is aged in stainless steel.