Abruzzo

Why Montepulciano d'Abruzzo is one of Italy's most beloved reds

Abruzzo is a region whose red identity centres almost entirely on a single grape, Montepulciano, yet one able to offer a surprising range of different styles, from the immediate rosé of Cerasuolo to more structured reds made for ageing, across a territory stretching between the Apennine mountains and the Adriatic coast.

Montepulciano d'Abruzzo and Colline Teramane: the territories of Abruzzo's reds

Montepulciano d'Abruzzo DOC covers most of the regional territory, giving rise to generally soft, fruity, approachable reds. In the Colline Teramane area, in the north of the region, the stricter regulations of Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Colline Teramane DOCG require lower yields and longer ageing, giving rise to wines of greater structure and complexity. The same grape, vinified as a rosé through brief skin maceration, gives rise to Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo DOC, which since 2010 has held its own denomination, separate from red Montepulciano, a testament to the importance of this style for the region.

From fresh Cerasuolo to structured Colline Teramane: the styles of Abruzzo's reds

Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo offers a deep-coloured rosé, almost a "pale red", fresh and fruity, made for immediate consumption, even lightly chilled. Base Montepulciano d'Abruzzo offers a soft red with gentle tannin and ripe fruit, suited to relatively young consumption. Colline Teramane, thanks to lower yields and longer ageing, instead offers a more concentrated profile with firmer tannins and a structure able to hold up for several years in bottle.

At the table with Abruzzo's reds: pairings that work

Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo pairs surprisingly well with both structured fish dishes and white meats, thanks to its versatility. Base Montepulciano naturally accompanies everyday Abruzzese cuisine, from arrosticini skewers to meat-sauce pastas. The more structured Colline Teramane pairs with important red meats, braises, and aged cheeses.

Which Abruzzo red to choose, depending on the occasion

For an aperitif or a versatile meal, Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo remains the most surprising, adaptable choice. For an everyday meal, a Montepulciano d'Abruzzo DOC offers softness and immediacy. Anyone seeking a red of greater structure, able to accompany an important occasion, will find their label in Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Colline Teramane DOCG.

Frequently asked questions

What's the difference between Montepulciano d'Abruzzo and Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo?

They come from the same grape, but Cerasuolo is made with brief skin maceration giving an intense rosé colour, while red Montepulciano involves longer maceration to achieve the colour and structure typical of a red wine.

Why does Colline Teramane have a separate DOCG denomination?

Colline Teramane's regulations require lower yields and longer ageing than Montepulciano d'Abruzzo DOC, guaranteeing a quality standard that justified its elevation to DOCG in 2003.

Is Montepulciano d'Abruzzo related to Tuscan Vino Nobile di Montepulciano?

No, despite the similar name these are two completely different grapes and denominations: Vino Nobile di Montepulciano is based on Sangiovese, while Montepulciano d'Abruzzo is named after the grape variety itself.

Is Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo served chilled like a rosé?

Yes, thanks to its freshness and light structure it lends itself well to being served slightly chilled, while still keeping more colour intensity and body than a traditional rosé.