Italy

Abruzzo

Central-eastern Italy along the Adriatic, between the Apennines and the sea.

Continental with a strong Adriatic influence; warm days, cool nights, and breezes that give the region its name (from 'the east wind').

Abruzzo is home to Montepulciano - not the Tuscan town - one of Italy's most widely planted and food-friendly red grapes.

The 'Montepulciano d'Abruzzo' DOC dominates, and the region also shines with Pecorino and Trebbiano whites.

For the buyer, Abruzzo delivers enormous quality-per-euro with effortlessly drinkable reds.

Terroir & Soil

Calcareous clay over gravel in coastal hills; the Montepulciano grape thrives on these sun-soaked slopes.

What to Expect from the Wines

  • · Montepulciano d'Abruzzo is a soft, juicy red of great charm - dark berries, herbs and gentle tannins.
  • · The region's whites (Trebbiano and Pecorino) are fresh and food-friendly.
  • · Abruzzo is one of Italy's best-value, still-overlooked appellations.

Remarkable Bottles from Abruzzo

All wines →
red

Masciarelli Montepulciano d'Abruzzo

Abruzzo · 2024 (representative vintage)

Masciarelli Montepulciano d'Abruzzo is an red wine from Italy, in the Abruzzo region (Central-eastern Italy along the Adriatic, between the Apennines and the sea.), made principally from Montepulciano. The Adriatic's great everyday red — juicy Montepulciano d'Abruzzo with genuine structure.

$14–$25 est. retail

red

Abruzzo Montepulciano

Abruzzo · 2024 (representative vintage)

Abruzzo Montepulciano is an red wine from Italy, in the Abruzzo region (Central-eastern Italy along the Adriatic, between the Apennines and the sea.), made principally from Montepulciano. a house-style Abruzzo montepulciano that showcases the grape in this region.

$14–$34 est. retail

white

Abruzzo Trebbiano

Abruzzo · 2024 (representative vintage)

Abruzzo Trebbiano is an white wine from Italy, in the Abruzzo region (Central-eastern Italy along the Adriatic, between the Apennines and the sea.), made principally from Trebbiano. a house-style Abruzzo trebbiano that showcases the grape in this region.

$12–$28 est. retail

red

Abruzzo Sangiovese

Abruzzo · 2024 (representative vintage)

Abruzzo Sangiovese is an red wine from Italy, in the Abruzzo region (Central-eastern Italy along the Adriatic, between the Apennines and the sea.), made principally from Sangiovese. a house-style Abruzzo sangiovese that showcases the grape in this region.

$14–$34 est. retail

red

Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Montepulciano Riserva

Abruzzo · 2024 (representative vintage)

Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Montepulciano Riserva is an red wine from Italy, in the Abruzzo region (Central-eastern Italy along the Adriatic, between the Apennines and the sea.), made principally from Montepulciano. a reserve-tier Montepulciano d'Abruzzo montepulciano that represents the region's premium bottled expression.

$45–$90 est. retail

red

Colline Teramane Montepulciano Riserva

Abruzzo · 2024 (representative vintage)

Colline Teramane Montepulciano Riserva is an red wine from Italy, in the Abruzzo region (Central-eastern Italy along the Adriatic, between the Apennines and the sea.), made principally from Montepulciano. a reserve-tier Colline Teramane montepulciano that represents the region's premium bottled expression.

$63–$125 est. retail

Food Pairing

  • · Montepulciano d'Abruzzo with grilled lamb, tomato-based pasta and pizza.
  • · The red's gentle tannins suit burgers and Mediterranean mezze.
  • · Trebbiano with grilled fish and simple sautéed vegetables.

Buying from Abruzzo

  • › Look for the Riserva designation and premium producers like Masciarelli, Valentini and Emidio Pepe.
  • › Valentini and Emidio Pepe are cult icons; most Abruzzo reds are everyday value.
  • › Colline Teramane wines are rising in esteem.