Abruzzo is one of Italy’s most productive—and most overlooked—wine regions. Stretching from the snow-covered Apennine Mountains to the Adriatic Sea, it enjoys one of Italy’s most dramatic combinations of elevation, sunshine, and maritime influence. Warm days, cool mountain nights, and steady Adriatic breezes allow grapes to ripen fully while preserving freshness and acidity, producing wines with generous fruit, vibrant structure, and exceptional value.
Abruzzo quietly ranks fifth among Italy’s 20 wine regions, producing more wine than either Piedmont or its famous neighbor, Tuscany. The region boasts three DOCGs, seven DOCs, and two very productive IGPs. Much of what’s made here is a tremendous bargain, including the elevated DOCG wines made from Montepulciano that punch well above their weight.
Nearly two-thirds of Abruzzo is mountainous, with much of the remainder consisting of rolling hills that descend toward the Adriatic coast. Vineyards are planted from coastal plains to steep inland slopes, often at elevations exceeding 1,500 feet (450 m). The nearby Gran Sasso and Maiella massifs moderate temperatures while protecting many vineyards from excessive weather. The result is a climate capable of producing both generous everyday wines and remarkably age-worthy examples.
Abruzzo and Montepulciano are Inseparable
Montepulciano, a versatile and potentially great red varietal, is king here, featuring in several of the region’s DOCs and its DOCG appellations. Montepulciano is Italy’s fifth most planted wine grape and second among red varietals (Sangiovese is tops). Most wine drinkers have encountered or tasted Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, a charming red that ranges in style from juicy and approachable to dense, tannic, and age-worthy.
For decades, Abruzzo was associated primarily with high-volume cooperative production. During the past 30 years, however, many estates have shifted toward lower yields, improved vineyard management, and site-specific bottlings. Today’s best producers demonstrate that Abruzzo is capable of producing wines that rival many of Italy’s more famous regions while remaining considerably more affordable.
The most spectacular wine of the region is Colline Teramane Montepulciano d’Abruzzo DOCG. This small appellation (around 400 acres) became its own DOC in 2003 and was elevated to DOCG in 2016. Three years later, Terre Tollesi / Tullum earned DOCG status as well, with white, red, and sparkling wines made there—though the reds built primarily from Montepulciano remain the stars of the appellation. In 2025–2026, Casauria DOCG joins the elite ranks of Abruzzo’s DOCG wines. Bottles of Casauria DOCG, as well as Colline Teramane Montepulciano d’Abruzzo DOCG, can be tricky to find in the USA, but that shouldn’t keep you from trying.
Abruzzo is home to Italy’s only dedicated rosé wine DOC, Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo. These delicious rosato wines really showcase the bright red fruit of Montepulciano. They too can be hard to find outside Italy, but they’re worth seeking out—frequently great values, and they age well.
Trebbiano is Abruzzo’s chief white wine varietal, while Passerina and Pecorino are surging in popularity and critical interest. Trebbiano d’Abruzzo is the most visible of the white wine zones and the region’s only dedicated white DOC. Most wines from this DOC are pleasant but unremarkable, which is exactly why it’s worth exploring Abruzzo’s many IGP wines for hidden gems. Luckily, there are more gems to be found.
Pecorino and Passerina are two staple white grapes in central Italy. Pecorino in particular shows flashes of greatness in Abruzzo that may not quite meet the level of top-quality examples from Offida in the Marches, but they come close.
Why Abruzzo Matters
Abruzzo remains one of the greatest values in Italian wine. It combines the production scale to be widely available with enough diverse terroir to produce truly distinctive wines. Whether you’re exploring everyday Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, seeking the remarkable depth of Colline Teramane Montepulciano d’Abruzzo DOCG, discovering the unique charm of Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo, or tasting the increasingly impressive whites made from Pecorino and Passerina, Abruzzo consistently delivers wines that outperform their price. For many wine lovers, it is the first place to look when searching for authentic Italian character without paying Tuscan or Piedmont prices.
Permitted grapes include:
White – Chardonnay, Passerina, Pecorino, Trebbiano
Red – Montepulciano, Sangiovese
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Abruzzo Appellations
Abruzzo – White, Red, Sparkling, and Sweet wines are made here.
Casauria – Red wines are made here primarily with Montepulciano.
Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo – Rosé wines are made here primarily with Montepulciano.
Colline Teramane Montepulciano d’Abruzzo DOCG – Red wines are made here primarily with Montepulciano.
Controguerra – White, Red, Sparkling, Sweet, and Rosé wines are made here.
IGP Colli Aprutini – White, Red, Sweet, and Rosé wines are made here.
IGP Colli del Sangro – White, Red, Sweet, and Rosé wines are made here.
IGP Colline Frentane – White, Red, Sweet, and Rosé wines are made here.
IGP Colline Pescaresi – White, Red, Sweet, and Rosé wines are made here.
IGP Colline Teatine – White, Red, Sweet, and Rosé wines are made here.
IGP del Vastese – White, Red, Sweet, and Rosé wines are made here.
IGP Terre Aquilane – White, Red, Sweet, and Rosé wines are made here.
IGP Terre di Chieti – White, Red, Sweet, and Rosé wines are made here.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo – Red wines are made here primarily with Montepulciano.
Ortona – White and Red wines are made here.
Terre Tollesi – White, Red, Sparkling, and Sweet wines are made here.
Trebbiano d’Abruzzo – White wines are made here primarily with Trebbiano.
Villamagna – Red wines are made here primarily with Montepulciano.
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