Abruzzo is a region in central eastern Italy, along the border with the Adriatic Sea. This is a land of many contrasts from the seaside to the mountainous areas to the forests and national parks, where bears can be found. The most identifiable wine from this region is the spicy, gusty red Montepulciano d'Abruzzo. A lovely dry rose called Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo is a highlight, as are complex whites from local varieties Pecorino and Passerina, while Trebbiano d'Abruzzo, is a common, everyday white.

Abruzzo has long been one of the leading Italian wine regions in terms of total production, but much of that has been vino sfuso, high yield bulk wine, sold for inexpensive prices. Lately however, there have been more full-bodied and age worthy examples of Montepulciano d'Abruzzo produced, even by large companies, while there have also been excellent examples of Trebbiano d'Abruzzo crafted, via skin contact and oak aging. The most noteworthy wines from Abruzzo are a few examples of Montepulciano d'Abruzzo produced by a handful of artisanal producers, crafting wines that offer amazing complexity and freshness even after twenty or thirty years. (Wine/Appellations)