Country
Italy
There are few countries in the world with a viticultural history as long or as illustrious as that claimed by Italy. Grapes were first being grown and cultivated on Italian soil several thousand years ago by the Greeks and the Pheonicians, who named Italy 'Oenotria' – the land of wines – so impressed were they with the climate and the suitability of the soil for wine production. Of course, it was the rise of the Roman Empire which had the most lasting influence on wine production in Italy, and their influence can still be felt today, as much of the riches of the empire came about through their enthusiasm for producing wines and exporting it to neighbouring countries. Since those times, a vast amount of Italian land has remained primarily for vine cultivation, and thousands of wineries can be found throughout the entire length and breadth of this beautiful country, drenched in Mediterranean sunshine and benefiting from the excellent fertile soils found there. Italy remains very much a 'land of wines', and one could not imagine this country, its landscape and culture, without it.
Region
Abruzzi
Abruzzi, located on Italy’s central Adriatic coast, is a region defined by rugged mountains, rolling hills, and coastal plains. This diverse terrain, along with a warm Mediterranean climate and cooling mountain breezes, creates ideal conditions for ripening grapes with both richness and acidity.
The region’s signature red grape is Montepulciano, which produces deeply colored, robust wines with dark fruit, spice, and soft tannins—most famously under the Montepulciano d’Abruzzo DOC. These reds range from easy-drinking to cellar-worthy, depending on vineyard elevation and winemaking style.
For whites, Trebbiano d’Abruzzo is the main variety. While often light and crisp, top producers craft more complex, mineral-driven versions with aging potential.
Abruzzi offers excellent value, with wines that pair well with a range of foods. It’s a go-to region for discovering expressive Italian wines without the prestige pricing of better-known appellations.
