Description
The Montepulciano d’Abruzzo PDO is reserved exclusively for Red wine. The Designation also incorporates numerous geographical specifications.
Production Area
The production area of Montepulciano d’Abruzzo PDO is within the territory of numerous municipalities in the provinces of Chieti, L’Aquila, Pescara and Teramo, in the Abruzzo region.
Description of product typologies
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo PDO stands out for its intense ruby red colour with light purplish hues, which tends towards garnet red with ageing; the nose is intense, ethereal, floral and fruity, with hints of red fruit and spicy notes; it is full, harmonious and slightly tannic the palate. Montepulciano d’Abruzzo PDO wines cannot be released for consumption before February 1st of the year following that in which the grapes were produced.
Geographical and sub-area specifications
The Montepulciano d’Abruzzo Protected Designation of Origin can be accompanied by nine geographical sub-designations. Montepulciano d’Abruzzo PDO Casauria or Terre di Casauria is reserved for Red wine (including Riserva) produced in the Province of Pescara with 100% Montepulciano. Montepulciano d’Abruzzo PDO Casauria or Terre di Casauria wines must undergo a mandatory ageing period of at least 18 months, of which at least 9 must be in wooden recipients; for Riserva wines the ageing period must be at least 24 months, with a minimum of 9 in wooden recipients. The ageing period commences November 1st of the year in which the grapes were produced. Montepulciano d’Abruzzo PDO Casauria or Terre di Casauria must also be matured in the bottle for at least 6 months after the mandatory ageing period. Montepulciano d’Abruzzo PDO Terre dei Vestini is reserved for Red wine (including Riserva) produced in the Province of Pescara with a minimum of 90% Montepulciano, pure or with the addition of similarly-coloured grapes originating from other grape varieties suitable for cultivation in the concerned area, maximum 10%. Montepulciano d’Abruzzo PDO Terre dei Vestini wines must be aged for a mandatory period of at least 18 months, with a minimum of 9 months in wooden recipients; for Riserva wines the ageing period must be at least 24 months, with a minimum of 9 in wooden recipients. The ageing period commences on November 1st of the year in which the grapes were produced. Montepulciano d’Abruzzo PDO Terre dei Vestini wines must also be matured in the bottle for at least 3 months after the mandatory ageing period, and Riserva wines for at least 6 months. Montepulciano d’Abruzzo PDO Alto Tirino is reserved for Red wine (including Riserva) produced in the Province of L’Aquila with a minimum of 95% Montepulciano, pure or with the addition of similarly-coloured grapes originating from other grape varieties suitable for cultivation in the concerned area, maximum 5%. Montepulciano d’Abruzzo PDO Alto Tirino wine must be aged/matured for a mandatory period of at least 12 months; for Riserva wines the ageing/maturing period must be at least 30 months. The ageing/maturing period commences November 1st of the year in which the grapes were produced. Montepulciano d’Abruzzo PDO Terre dei Peligni is reserved for Red wine (including Riserva) produced in the Province of L’Aquila with a minimum of 95% Montepulciano, pure or with the addition of similarly-coloured grapes originating from other grape varieties suitable for cultivation in the concerned area, maximum 5%. Montepulciano d’Abruzzo PDO Terre dei Peligni wine must be aged/matured for a mandatory period of at least 24 months, with a minimum of 9 months in wooden recipients; for Riserva wines the ageing/maturing period must be at least 30 months, with a minimum of 9 months in wooden recipients. The ageing/maturing period commences November 1st of the year in which the grapes were produced. Montepulciano d’Abruzzo PDO Teate is reserved for Red wine (including Riserva) produced in the Province of Chieti with a minimum of 90% Montepulciano, pure or with the addition of similarly-coloured grapes originating from other grape varieties suitable for cultivation in the concerned area, maximum 10%. Montepulciano d’Abruzzo PDO Teate wine must be aged/matured for a mandatory period of at least 21 months, with a minimum of 9 months in wooden recipients; for Riserva wines the ageing/maturing period must be at least 30 months, with a minimum of 9 months in wooden recipients. The ageing/maturing period commences on November 1st of the year in which the grapes were produced. It can display Riserva on the label if the wine has undergone a minimum ageing period of 2 years, of which at least 9 months must be in wooden recipients located within the production area. Montepulciano d’Abruzzo PDO Terre di Chieti is reserved for Red wine (including Riserva and Superiore) produced in the Province of Chieti with a minimum of 90% Montepulciano, pure or with the addition of similarly-coloured grapes originating from other grape varieties suitable for cultivation in the Abruzzo region, max. 10%. Montepulciano d’Abruzzo PDO Terre di Chieti Superiore wines must be matured for a mandatory period of 6 months; for Riserva wines the ageing period must be at least 24 months, of which 6 months must be in wooden recipients. The ageing period commences on November 1st of the year in which the grapes were produced. Montepulciano d’Abruzzo PDO Terre di Chieti Superiore wines can be released for consumption from October 1st of the year following that in which the grapes were produced. Montepulciano d’Abruzzo PDO Terre di Chieti Riserva wines can be released for consumption from January 1st of the third year following that in which the grapes were produced. The Montepulciano d’Abruzzo PDO Terre di Chieti can be accompanied by four additional geographical units: Colline Teatine or Teatino, Colline Frentane or Frentania or Frentano, Colline del Sangro, Colline del Vastese or Hystonium. The name of the sub-area Terre di Chieti must always immediately precede the Montepulciano d'Abruzzo PDO designation on the labels of Montepulciano d'Abruzzo PDO Terre di Chieti wines. Montepulciano d’Abruzzo PDO Terre Aquilane or Terre de L’Aquila is reserved for red wine (including Riserva and Superiore) produced in the Province of L’Aquila with a minimum of 90% Montepulciano, pure or with the addition of similarly-coloured grapes originating from other grape varieties suitable for cultivation in the Abruzzo region, max. 10%. Montepulciano d’Abruzzo PDO Terre Aquilane or Terre de L’Aquila Superiore wines must be matured for a mandatory period of 6 months; for Riserva wines the ageing period is a minimum of 24 months, of which 6 months must be in wooden recipients. The ageing period commences on November 1st of the year in which the grapes were produced. Montepulciano d’Abruzzo PDO Terre Aquilane or Terre de L’Aquila Superiore wines can be released for consumption from October 1st of the year following that in which the grapes were produced. Montepulciano d’Abruzzo PDO Terre Aquilane or Terre de L’Aquila Riserva wines can be released for consumption from January 1st of the third year following that in which the grapes were produced. Montepulciano d’Abruzzo PDO Colline Pescaresi is reserved for Red wine (including Riserva and Superiore) produced in the Province of Pescara with a minimum of 90% Montepulciano, pure or with the addition of similarly-coloured grapes originating from other grape varieties suitable for cultivation in the Abruzzo region, max. 10%. Montepulciano d’Abruzzo PDO Colline Pescaresi Superiore wines must be matured for a mandatory period of 6 months; for Riserva wines the ageing period is a minimum of 24 months, of which 6 months must be in wooden recipients. The ageing period commences on November 1st of the year in which the grapes were produced. Montepulciano d’Abruzzo PDO Colline Pescaresi Superiore wines can be released for consumption from October 1st of the year following that in which the grapes were produced. Montepulciano d’Abruzzo PDO Colline Pescaresi Riserva wines can be released for consumption from January 1st of the third year following that in which the grapes were produced. Montepulciano d’Abruzzo PDO San Martino sulla Marruccina is reserved for Red wine (including Riserva and Superiore) produced in the Province of Chieti with a minimum of 90% Montepulciano, pure or with the addition of similarly-coloured grapes originating from other grape varieties suitable for cultivation in the Abruzzo region, max. 10%. Montepulciano d’Abruzzo PDO San Martino sulla Marruccina Superiore wines must be aged/ matured for a mandatory period of at least 12 months, of which 6 months must be in wooden recipients; for Riserva wines the ageing period is a minimum of 24 months, of which 12 months must be in wooden recipients. The ageing period commences on November 1st of the year in which the grapes were produced. The name of the sub-area San Martino sulla Marruccina must always immediately precede the Montepulciano d'Abruzzo PDO designation on the labels of Montepulciano d’Abruzzo PDO San Martino sulla Marruccina wines.
