Abruzzo is a region in central-southern Italy, also called 'Europe's green region', thanks to its natural, unspoilt landscapes. Like many other Italian regions, it is famous for its excellence in wine and gastronomy. In Abruzzo, excellent wines are produced, thanks to the famous grape varieties that have found the perfect terroir on the Abruzzo hills where red, white, rosé and sparkling wines originate.
Montepulciano d'Abruzzo DOC, one of the most famous and widespread Italian reds
Among the red wines from Abruzzo, the Montepulciano d'Abruzzo DOC 2019 stands out, a dry and tannic wine, with a pleasant taste, fruity aroma and good structure, which is aged for at least 18 months, nine of those in wooden barrels. This Abruzzo DOC also includes the Riserva type, such as the "Testarossa" Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Riserva DOC, which is aged for at least two years, nine of them in wood, with even more intense and spicy aromas than the basic type and a garnet red colour. These fragrant and harmonious wines are among the most consumed wines in Italy, but not only there, and are perfect to enjoy with meat menus, cold cuts and cheeses. It is also appealing as a red wine to pair with pizza. It is important to know that Montepulciano is also the name of a municipality in Tuscany, where the Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG is produced from Sangiovese grapes, not to be confused with the Abruzzo red.
Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo DOC, a rosé wine from Montepulciano grapes
The Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo DOC is a wine that first surprises the eye with its intense rosé tending towards cherry red, then the nose with its fragrance, and finally the palate with its freshness. The Montepulciano is a native of Abruzzo and the second most cultivated grape variety in Italy. Abruzzo produces this celebrated rosé wine from central Italy, among the best-loved in the category along with Apulia's rosés. The scents of spices and red fruit are finely evoked on the palate, with a pleasant and persistent finish, by the Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo Rosato DOC 2020, sublime with fish soups but also with fresh appetisers; an excellent accompaniment to freshwater fish, white meats, cured meats and medium-mature cheeses.
Trebbiano d'Abruzzo DOC: a white with depth
The Trebbiano family includes both the Trebbiano Toscano variety and the Trebbiano Abruzzese; the latter, a native grape variety of the Abruzzo region, generates more structured wines than those from other Italian regions. The "Trebì" Trebbiano d'Abruzzo DOC 2021, obtained purely from Trebbiano Abruzzese grapes, perfectly expresses the aromatic and taste characteristics that this white grape can develop in the territories of the same cultivation zone as Montepulciano. When young, Trebbiano d'Abruzzo DOC is characterised by a straw-yellow colour, a rich floral bouquet and a sapidity and minerality that make it extremely drinkable. It excels in combination with fish menus, especially grilled, but can also be fully appreciated as an aperitif.
Still or sparkling whites: Pecorino and Passerina wines from Abruzzo
The Pecorino and Passerina white grape varieties are indigenous to central Italy, especially widespread in the Marche and Abruzzo regions, where they produce wines of excellent quality, in both still and sparkling versions. The Pecorino Abruzzo DOC 2020, also in the Superiore version, is a wine that manages to transport the aromaticity of the vine from which it comes directly into the glass and is distinguished by its dry and harmonious flavour and its bouquet of fresh fruit. When paired with sushi or with fresh pasta with seafood it is simply perfect. The Passerina Abruzzo Superiore DOP Ferzo 2019, on the other hand, fascinates with the olfactory sensations of citrus fruits and white flowers, with a good balance between freshness and acidity. Its favourite pairings are crustaceans, risottos and fried fish, as well as vitello tonnato.
Now that you know the best wines from Abruzzo, don't let them get away and taste them all: the experts at Svinando have scouted out the region's best labels for you – discover their selection!