The Abruzzo region, known to few outside Italy as a wine-growing region a quarter of a century ago, still ranks fifth in the country's total production. The mountainous region, sloping down to the sea, is located south of the Marche and has a fairly long Adriatic coast, where many tourists spend their vacations. Much of Abruzzo's wine is therefore consumed on the spot.
The list of grape varieties from the warm Abruzzo region is dominated by two grape varieties, Trebbiano d'Abruzzo and Montepulciano; not to be confused with Vino Nobile di Montepulciano from Tuscany. In places, the vineyards are located up to 600 meters above sea level.
In the past, the wine of Abruzzo was rather plain and featureless, but that has changed in the last 20 years or so. The red Montepulciano is today a fruity, smooth wine, the very best qualities are now even suitable for ageing in barrique. The white Trebbiano d'Abruzzo is actually not a Trebbiano, but consists of the Bombino grape variety, which is very common in Abruzzo. The wine is rather fruity to neutral, medium-bodied and intended for early consumption. For this it was mentioned by the famous poet Cervantes.
