Abruzzo

Though Abruzzo was once best known for producing blending wines, the region is now more respected for its production of high-quality bottled wines. Montepulciano is the most cultivated grape varietal in the region, versatile enough to produce a young rose wine, an aged red wine and a dessert wine. Montepulciano is followed by Trebbiano Toscano and Trebbiano d'Abruzzo.

Wine Trail-From north to south
* In Colonnella, visit Azienda Vitivinicola Lepore at Contrada Civita 64010. * Controguerra, nicknamed "city of wine," sits on a hill that faces the water. The town has two main wineries: Dino Illuminati, located at Contrada San Biagio 18 (tel. 0861808008), which has three thermoregulated caves to make spumanti and to age wine in casks; and Azienda Agricola Camillo Montori at Via Piane Tronto 66010 (tel. 011390861714777).
* Visit Azienda Agricola Emidio Pepe in Torano Nuova at Via Chiesi 10 (tel. 011390861856493).
* In Nocciano you can visit Bosco at Contrada Casali 7 (tel. 085847345) to see the rows of huge oak barrels and underground passages where the bottles and vintages of Montepulciano are aged.
* Bolognano is the home of Zaccagnini (tel. 0858880195), which produces Montepulciano DOC and Trebbiano d'Abruzzo DOC wines and holds wine tastings.

Festivals and Culinary Events
* August: Colonnella-Gastronomic Festival
* August 12 to 17: Torano Nuovo-Wine Festival