Region: Abruzzo
History: Established in 1995
Principal White Grape Varieties: Barbera Bianca, Biancame, Bombino Bianco, Chardonnay, Cococciola, Falanghina, Fiano, Friulano, Garganega, Gewürztraminer, Grechetto, Greco, Malvasia, Manzoni Bianco, Montonico Bianco, Moscato, Mostosa, Passerina, Pecorino, Pinot Bianco, Pinot Grigio, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Sylvaner Verde, Trebbiano, Verdicchio, Vermentino, Welschriesling (Riesling Italico)
Principal Red Grape Varieties: Aglianico, Barbera, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Canaiolo Nero, Ciliegiolo, Dolcetto, Gaglioppo, Malbec, Marzemino, Merlot, Montepulciano, Nebbiolo, Nero d’Avola (Calabrese), Pinot Nero, Primitivo, Refosco, Sangiovese, Syrah
Styles and Wine Composition:
WHITE WINES
- Bianco (Wh, WhFr): Any proportions of grape varieties approved for the region of Abruzzo
- Varietals (Wh, WhFr): Minimum 85% Bombino Bianco, Chardonnay, Cococciola, Falanghina, Fiano, Garganega, Greco, Malvasia, Manzoni Bianco, Montonico Bianco, Moscato, Passerina, Pecorino, Pinot Bianco, Pinot Grigio, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Trebbiano (Abruzzese, Toscano), or Vermentino + OANWG
- Dual varietals (Wh, WhFr): 50–85% of first-named variety; 15–50% of other variety
ROSATO WINES
- Rosato (Ro, RoFr): Any proportions of grape varieties approved for the region of Abruzzo
- Novello (Rosato)
RED WINES
- Rosso (Rd, RdFr): Any proportions of grape varieties approved for the region of Abruzzo
- Varietals (Rd, RdFr): Minimum 85% Aglianico, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Ciliegiolo, Merlot, Pinot Nero, Primitivo, Sangiovese, or Syrah + OANRG
- Dual varietals (Rd, RdFr): 50–85% of first-named variety; 15–50% of other variety
- Novello (Rosso)
DESSERT AND SPECIALTY WINES
- Bianco Passito (Wh): Any proportions of grape varieties approved for the region of Abruzzo
- Rosso Passito (RdSw): Any proportions of grape varieties approved for the region of Abruzzo
Significant Production Rules:
- Zone of production: Numerous communes in the province of Chieti
- Minimum alcohol level: 10.0% for Bianco; 10.5% for Rosato and Rosso; 11.0% for Novello and all varietals; 12.0% for Bianco Passito (16.0% potential); 12.5% for Rosso Passito (16.0% potential)
- Aging: No minimums specified
