Teramo, Abruzzo
As announced in the January 3 (2024) edition of the EU Journal, Italy has a new Indicazione Geografica Tipica (IGT) classification for wine: the Terre d’Abruzzo IGT (aka Terre Abruzzesi). The new appellation is approved for a range of wine styles produced from grapes grown anywhere within the administrative region of Abruzzo.
BUT WAIT! Before all the wine students of the world (including me) let out a collective sigh and bemoan the growing number of appellations to study, note this: The Terre d’Abruzzo IGT is intended to replace the 8 IGTs currently scattered across Abruzzo. (We’ll have to wait to see the paperwork on this development, but it sounds promising.)
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Wine styles allowed under the Terre d’Abruzzo IGT include red (rosso), white (bianco), and rosé (rosato) in still (non-sparkling), frizzante (slightly sparkling), and passito (dried grape; red or white only) editions.
The list of grape varieties is long and varied. It includes several obscure, local varieties such as Mostosa, Passerina, and Pecorino; in addition to quite a few better-known Italian grapes such as Garganega, Moscato, Sangiovese, and Primitivo. International varieties—including Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Gris/Pinot Grigio—are on the list as well. (For a complete catalog of approved varieties, see the disciplinare, attached below.)
Blends (typically bottled under the appellation name) are allowed as well as certain varietals (which—per EU standards—must contain a minimum of 85% of the named variety). Red wines may be produced in the novello (young, lively, and fruit-forward) style.
Welcome to the World, Terre d’Abruzzo IGT!
References/for more information:
- Disciplinare – Terre d’Abruzzo IGT
- EU Official Journal January 2024 Terre d’Abruzzo IGT
- https://www.vinidabruzzo.it/
Post authored by Jane A. Nickles…your blog administrator: jnickles@societyofwineeducators.org