Story: Abruzzo | Wine region
Page: 3/5

The white wines of Abruzzo: Italy's underrated treasures from the Adriatic Sea
Abruzzo is best known internationally for its Montepulciano d'Abruzzo, but away from the iconic reds, some of central Italy's most exciting white wines thrive here. Influenced by the Adriatic climate and protected by steep mountain ranges, fresh, mineral and aromatic white wines are produced that clearly reflect their origins. This article is dedicated exclusively to the region's white grape varieties and the characteristics that make them so unique.

---

Trebbiano d'Abruzzo - The classic white wine of the region
Trebbiano d'Abruzzo is undoubtedly the most important and best-known white grape variety in Abruzzo. Despite its name, it has only limited similarities with other Italian Trebbiano varieties and is often of significantly better quality. Typical wines made from Trebbiano d'Abruzzo are light to medium-bodied, with fresh citrus notes, white flowers, a delicate minerality, and a pleasant, lively acidity. Good winemakers can produce amazingly long-lived wines from this variety, which gain complexity with increasing maturity.

---

Pecorino - The aromatic comeback
The Pecorino grape variety was long considered almost extinct before winemakers from Abruzzo and Marche rediscovered it. Today, it is one of the most exciting white varieties in the region. Pecorino wines are aromatic, structured, and spicy, with notes of green apples, ripe pears, herbs, and often a slightly salty finish. Thanks to their high natural acidity, they are both fresh and powerful. Pecorino has the potential to produce both elegant everyday wines and sophisticated premium white wines.

---

Passerina - Elegant, light, and versatile
Passerina is an older indigenous grape variety traditionally grown in Abruzzo. Its wines are mostly light, floral, and very drinkable. The aromatic spectrum ranges from white flowers to citrus fruits and subtle herbs, always supported by a pleasant, unobtrusive acidity. Passerina is ideal as an aperitif wine or with light dishes from Adriatic cuisine.

---

Cococciola - The fresh outsider
Cococciola is a lesser-known grape variety that has a small but fine tradition, especially in Abruzzo. The wines are mostly light, crisp, and refreshing, with aromas of lemon, lime, sometimes gooseberry, and a particularly lively acidity. Fans of very light, sparkling white wines will find what they are looking for here.

---

Regional specialty: Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo - The rosé-colored brother
Even though the focus here is on white wines, one special regional specialty deserves at least a mention: Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo. It is an intense, cherry-colored rosé that is unique to this region and often displays the same freshness and aromatics found in Abruzzo white wines. However, another specialty is even closer to the white wine experience: the traditionally produced spumante made from Pecorino or Cococciola. Cococciola in particular, with its high acidity, is ideal for sparkling, lively sparkling wines, which are now considered a regional insider tip.

---

Conclusion: White wines full of character and potential
Abruzzo is much more than just a red wine region. From Trebbiano d'Abruzzo to Pecorino, from Passerina to Cococciola, there is a diversity that will delight both wine lovers and curious beginners. The white wines of Abruzzo combine freshness, minerality, and Mediterranean aromas in a unique way—and deserve much more attention than they have received so far. - Gerardo [TS12/25]