Abruzzi

DOC for dry red and rosé wines in the Abbruzzi wine-growing region in Italy. The name has no connection with the city of the same name or with the Vino Nobile di Montepulciano in Tuscany. The zone stretches across all four provinces (L´Aquila, Chieti with the largest volume, Pescara and Teramo) with 174 communes. Rosso and Cerasuolo (Rosato) are made from Montepulciano (85-100%), as well as optionally from other permitted red varieties (up to 15%). If matured for a minimum of two years, the Rosso may be called a Riserva. The red wines from the Colline Teramane sub-zone (in 31 communes in the province of Teramo) were classified as DOCG in 2003. They must be made from Montepulciano (90-100%) and Sangiovese (up to 10%). The minimum alcohol content prescribed is 12,5% vol, the wine must be matured for a minimum of 26 months. If matured for 38 months or longer it may be called a Riserva.