The Ortona area has a long and storied history of grape growing and wine making. Grown and nurtured with the utmost care, our local grape varietals produce a range of fine wines typical of the region.

TREBBIANO D’ABRUZZO

Terroir: Trebbiano d’Abruzzo DOC is produced in all four provinces of the Abruzzo region (L’Aquila, Chieti, Pescara and Teramo) from local grapes grown on steep slopes and at high altitudes.

Grapes: Trebbiano d’Abruzzo wine is made from the Trebbiano d’Abruzzo grape (also known as ‘Bombino bianco’) and the Trebbiano Toscano grape. These grapes may be blended with other local varietals (up to 15% permitted in the blend).

Characteristics:

Color: Straw yellow
Aroma: Fresh and viney with hints of citrus and almond
Flavor: Crisp, acidic, light-bodied, dry
Minimum ABV: 11%

Trebbiano d’Abruzzo can benefit from medium-term aging but does not usually require it. Store Trebbiano d’Abruzzo in a horizontal position on a wooden rack away from direct sunlight.

MONTEPULCIANO D’ABRUZZO

Terroir: Montepulciano d’Abruzzo is made from the Montepulciano grape grown in hillside vineyards at altitudes not exceeding 500m.

Grapes: Montepulciano d’Abruzzo is made with a minimum of 85% Montepulciano grapes, with a maximum of 15% Sangiovese grapes permitted in the blend.

Characteristics:

Color: Intense ruby color with purple overtones, shifts toward orange when aged.
Aroma: Fruity with delicate flowery notes.
Flavor: Full-bodied and fruity.
Minimum ABV: 11.5%

CHARDONNAY

Chardonnay is one of the most prolifically grown grape varieties due to its versatility and consistently high yields. Chardonnay grapes are typically harvested in early September. While the variety is known for its ease of cultivation and ability to adapt, Chardonnay grapes favor a mild climate and grow best on soils rich in chalk, clay and limestone.

Chardonnay is an important component of many still and sparkling wines with high levels of acidity and a high alcohol content. Chardonnay wines are typically light straw yellow in color and offer rich and bold fruit flavors (tropical fruit, pineapple) with a medium to light body and noticeable levels of acidity. When aged, Chardonnay wines take on subtle hints of dried fruit and hazelnut. This type of wine also lends itself extremely well to barrel fermentation.

PECORINO

The Pecorino is an early-ripening grape variety with naturally occurring low yields. Pecorino is an heirloom variety best grown on steep hillsides. The relationship of the grape to the tangy cheese of the same name, pecorino, is not known. It is, however, believed that the name refers to the seasonal movements of flocks of sheep (‘pecore’ in Italian) occurring in the same regions where the Pecorino grape is cultivated.
Pecorino-based wines are light amber in color and offer a fresh floral bouquet with hints of spiced licorice.

COCOCCIOLA

The Cococciola is a white wine grape variety native to the Abruzzo region. It is mainly used as a blending grape in wines such as Trebbiano. The Cococciola grape is one of very few varieties to have had its production increase since the late 20th century. Cococciola wines are medium bodied with fairly high acidity. The tart flavor is interspersed with notes of citrus and stone fruit.

PASSERINA

The Passerina grape is a rare white wine grape variety found in central Italy. The origins of the Passerina grape – which is also referred to as ‘Pagadebiti’, ‘Cacciadebiti’ and ‘Uva d’Oro’ – remain uncertain. The Passerina variety is cultivated in the regions of Marche, Abruzzo and Lazio.