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 Abruzzo Wine
Lanciano vines - Photo © Antonio Dell'Elce
In a nation of myriad appellations, Abruzzi offers wine drinkers refreshing simplicity. The long-standing regionwide DOCs for Montepulciano and Trebbiano d'Abruzzo have been complemented by an appellation for Controguerra, which takes in 12 types of wine.
Abruzzi, which is two-thirds mountains and one-third hills, boasts highly favorable natural conditions for grapevines. Growers favor the predominant Montepulciano and Trebbiano, while growing some highly productive vines (the region has Italy's highest average yields) for bulk wines and table grapes, and experimenting in an increasingly convincing way with outside varieties.
Despite the outward simplicity of Abruzzi's DOC system, certain details of Abruzzi's wine production are worth pointing out. The native Montepulciano (not to be confused with the town of that name in Tuscany where Vino Nobile is made) is a vine of convincing character that has been winning admirers abroad.
In parts of the Abruzzi, notably in the low hills of the northern province of Teramo, Montepulciano becomes a red of irresistible character – full-bodied, even robust, with a capacity to age but with a supple smoothness that can make it eminently drinkable even when young. The red and riserva from the Teramo area have been distinguished under the DOCG of Montepulciano d’Abruzzo Colline Teramane.
The rest of Montepulciano d’Abruzzo is DOC, applying to both the red wine and the cherry hued rosé of Cerasuolo. Two other subzones are noted: Casauria or Terre di Casauria and Terre dei Vestini.
Much Trebbiano is based on the prolific Tuscan variety, which makes light, crisp whites of subtle aroma and flavor. Some growers work with the "true" Trebbiano d'Abruzzo (which may or may not be related to the Bombino Bianco of Apulia). A choice few have managed to make Trebbiano of remarkable depth and texture, with a propensity to develop complexity over four or five years, sometimes even more, of aging. Those wines are relatively rare.
I Love Italian Wine and Food - The Abruzzo Region
An article by: Levi Reiss ©
Abruzzo devotes about eighty two thousand acres to grapevines, it
ranks 10th among the 20 Italian regions. Its total annual wine
production is about 110 million gallons, giving it a 5th place. About
90% of the wine production is red or rose' (not very much rose'), leaving
10% for white...
Wine Reviewed
Abruzzo Illuminati Montepulciano d’Abruzzo “Riparosso” 2004 DOC
13% alcohol about $11.50
The marketing materials state that this wine has hints of an Amarone (a
much more expensive wine) or a Ripasso ( a more expensive wine). There
are raisings, currants, and tar on the nose whilst the taste profile is
ripe, mellow fruit flavors of raspberry jam and ocha. It doesn’t contain
a lot of acidity so drink it within a year. Pair it with pizza, burgers,
or any meat dish that you tend to eat during the week.
This wine is said to complement pasta, red meats, and savory cheeses.
I found the Riparosso to be somewhat robust, with cherry and plum
flavors. I didn’t have the feeling that I was drinking a regular
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, but instead almost a Ripasso, a wine that I
prefer. This wine managed to feel full-bodied even with its light
tannins... read the full article...
Wine Italy
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