Abruzzo

Abruzzo: A Hidden Gem for Wine Lovers

Nestled between the Apennine Mountains and the Adriatic Sea, Abruzzo offers a captivating blend of rugged landscapes and rich viticultural traditions. This under-the-radar Italian wine region boasts diverse terroirs, producing exceptional wines that are gaining international recognition.

Towns and Villages

Explore the charming medieval towns and picturesque villages that dot Abruzzo’s landscape. Sulmona, known for its confetti (sugar-coated almonds), offers a perfect base for wine tours. Vasto, perched on a hill overlooking the Adriatic, combines coastal beauty with excellent local wines.

• Pescara: The region’s largest city, with easy access to wineries
• L’Aquila: A historic city surrounded by vineyards
• Ortona: A coastal town with a rich winemaking heritage

Wine Producers

Abruzzo is home to numerous high-quality wine producers. Emidio Pepe in Torano Nuovo is renowned for its organic Montepulciano d’Abruzzo. Masciarelli Tenute Agricole in San Martino sulla Marrucina offers exceptional Trebbiano d’Abruzzo.

• Tiberio: Known for its minerally whites in Cugnoli
• Valle Reale: Organic wines in a stunning mountain setting
• Illuminati: Historic producer of Montepulciano d’Abruzzo in Controguerra

Accommodations

Stay close to the vineyards for an immersive wine experience. Agriturismo Vignale di Cecilia in Loreto Aprutino offers rooms on a working vineyard. For luxury, try Castello di Semivicoli, a 17th-century castle surrounded by vineyards.

• Hotel Zunica 1880 in Civitella del Tronto: Historic hotel with an excellent wine cellar
• Agriturismo Il Portone in Controguerra: Farm stay with wine tastings
• La Torretta in Pescara: Boutique hotel near urban wineries

Dining

Abruzzo’s cuisine perfectly complements its wines. La Bandiera in Civitella Casanova offers innovative dishes paired with local wines. For traditional fare, try Taverna 58 in Pescara, known for its extensive wine list.

• Reale: Three-Michelin-starred restaurant in Castel di Sangro
• Villa Maiella in Guardiagrele: Michelin-starred with a focus on local ingredients
• Ristorante al Metrò in Vasto: Seafood specialties with Abruzzo wines

Wine Shops & Bars

Abruzzo offers numerous opportunities to sample and purchase local wines. Enoteca Regionale d’Abruzzo in Ortona showcases wines from across the region. In Pescara, Enoteca Ferrara boasts an extensive selection of Abruzzo wines.

• Cantina Miglianico: Wine shop and tasting room in Miglianico
• Enoteca La Cantina di Franco: Cozy wine bar in Sulmona
• Vini Patricelli: Family-run wine shop in Vasto

Other Shops

While exploring Abruzzo, don’t miss out on local specialties. Confetti Pelino in Sulmona offers their famous sugar-coated almonds. For artisanal cheeses, visit La Mascionara in Scanno.

• Bottega dei Sapori: Gourmet food shop in Pescara
• Abruzzo Pantry: Online store for regional products
• Tartufi&Co: Truffle products in L’Aquila

Attractions

Abruzzo’s attractions extend beyond its vineyards. Parco Nazionale d’Abruzzo offers stunning hiking trails and wildlife viewing. The Rocca Calascio, a mountaintop fortress, provides panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

• Trabocchi Coast: Unique fishing platforms along the Adriatic
• Campo Imperatore: High plateau known as “Little Tibet”
• Museo Nazionale d’Abruzzo: Regional art and archaeology in L’Aquila

Events

Abruzzo’s calendar is filled with wine-related events. The Pescara Wine Festival in July showcases local producers. Cantine Aperte (Open Cellars) in May allows visitors to tour wineries across the region.

• Montepulciano d’Abruzzo Festival: Celebrating the region’s flagship red wine
• Festa dell’Uva: Grape harvest festival in Ortona
• Majella Wine Trekking: Combines hiking with wine tasting in the Majella National Park

Appellations

Abruzzo’s wine appellations reflect its diverse terroir. The Montepulciano d’Abruzzo DOC covers much of the region, producing robust reds. Trebbiano d’Abruzzo DOC is known for its crisp white wines.

• Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo DOC: Distinctive rosé wines
• Controguerra DOC: Small appellation known for diverse varietals
• Villamagna DOC: Emerging appellation for high-quality Montepulciano

Grape Varieties

Abruzzo’s wine scene is dominated by Montepulciano for reds and Trebbiano for whites. These grapes thrive in the region’s diverse terroir.

Other notable varieties include:

• Pecorino: A white grape known for crisp, mineral-driven wines
• Passerina: Another indigenous white variety with delicate aromas
• Cococciola: A lesser-known white grape gaining popularity
• Sangiovese: Often blended with Montepulciano in some areas

Main Wine Styles

Abruzzo’s wine styles reflect its rich viticultural heritage and modern innovations:

• Montepulciano d’Abruzzo: Full-bodied reds with dark fruit flavors and soft tannins
• Trebbiano d’Abruzzo: Crisp, light-bodied whites with citrus and floral notes
• Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo: A distinctive rosé made from Montepulciano grapes
• Pecorino: Aromatic whites with good acidity and mineral notes

Food Specialties

Abruzzo’s cuisine pairs perfectly with its wines. Arrosticini, skewered lamb, is a regional favorite.

Other local specialties include:

• Maccheroni alla chitarra: Square-cut pasta served with lamb ragù
• Porchetta: Herb-stuffed roast pork
• Confetti: Colorful sugar-coated almonds from Sulmona
• Ventricina: A spicy salami from Vasto

Drives & Walks

Explore Abruzzo’s diverse landscapes through scenic drives and walks. The Costa dei Trabocchi offers breathtaking coastal views and traditional fishing platforms.

Notable routes include:

• Parco Nazionale del Gran Sasso e Monti della Laga: Hiking trails with stunning mountain vistas
• Strada del Vino Colline Teramane: A wine route through picturesque hills and vineyards
• Campo Imperatore: Known as “Little Tibet,” this high plateau offers unique walks

Itineraries

Plan your Abruzzo wine adventure with these suggested itineraries:

3-Day Wine Tasting Tour

• Day 1: Visit wineries in Teramo hills, focusing on Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
• Day 2: Explore Pescara’s wine bars and coastal vineyards
• Day 3: Discover Pecorino wines in the Chieti province

5-Day Food and Wine Experience

• Days 1-2: L’Aquila for wine tasting and historical sites
• Day 3: Sulmona for confetti and local wines
• Day 4: Vasto for seafood and Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
• Day 5: Atri for pecorino cheese and Trebbiano d’Abruzzo

Getting There & Around

Abruzzo is accessible by air, road, and rail. The main airport is Abruzzo International Airport in Pescara, with connections to major European cities.

Transportation options include:

• Car rental: Best for exploring vineyards and rural areas
• Trains: Connect major towns, but limited in rural regions
• Buses: Provide access to smaller villages and wine regions

Best Time to Visit

The ideal time to visit Abruzzo for wine enthusiasts is during the harvest season, typically from late August to October.

Other considerations:

• Spring (April-June): Pleasant weather for outdoor activities and wine tasting
• Summer (July-August): Busy tourist season, perfect for coastal vineyards
• Fall (September-November): Harvest festivals and truffle season
• Winter (December-March): Quieter period, ideal for red wine tasting and skiing

Sustainability Efforts

Abruzzo’s wine industry is increasingly focusing on sustainable practices. Many wineries are adopting organic and biodynamic methods.

Notable sustainability initiatives:

• Organic vineyards: Growing number of certified organic producers
• Water conservation: Implementing drip irrigation systems
• Biodiversity: Encouraging natural pest control through habitat preservation
• Energy efficiency: Solar panels and energy-saving winery equipment

Language Tips

While English is spoken in tourist areas, learning a few Italian phrases can enhance your wine tasting experience.

Useful wine-related terms:

• Vino rosso/bianco: Red/white wine
• Cantina: Winery
• Degustazione: Wine tasting
• Salute!: Cheers!

Further Resources

Enhance your Abruzzo wine journey with these additional resources:

• Consorzio Tutela Vini d’Abruzzo: Official website for Abruzzo wines
• Slow Food Abruzzo: Information on local food and wine traditions
• Visit Abruzzo: Regional tourism website with winery listings
• Strada del Vino Colline Teramane: Wine route information and maps