Abruzzo

Stretching from the Apennines down to the Adriatic Sea, Abruzzo combines mountain altitude with coastal influence in a way few Italian regions do. Vineyards climb inland hills where cooler nights preserve acidity, while maritime breezes moderate heat closer to the coast, giving the wines both ripeness and restraint. Montepulciano is the defining red grape, forming the core of Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, a DOC that covers much of the region and produces deeply colored, supple reds with dark fruit and gentle tannins. In the northern hills of the province of Teramo, Colline Teramane carries stricter rules under DOCG status, yielding more structured, age‑worthy expressions that demand time to settle before opening. White production centers on Trebbiano Abruzzese, which, at its best, delivers restrained citrus and almond notes, joined increasingly by Pecorino and Passerina, varieties well suited to the region’s elevation and climate. Key subzones such as Terre dei Peligni and Terre Aquilane highlight how altitude and exposure shape style more than winemaking intervention. Abruzzo suits collectors who value honest, traditionally built wines or those seeking versatile bottles that pair well with food rather than ceremony alone.

Wines

• Ferzo Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Teate — Ferzo
• Gran Sasso Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Edizione Limitata — Terra Vera
• Montepulciano d'Abruzzo — Gran Sasso
• Montepulciano d'Abruzzo 2021 — Emidio Pepe