The Abruzzo is one of the sleeper regions in Italy. Wines from this region have been characteristically mediocre. That is, until 3 winemakers appeared on the scene: Dino Illuminati, Gianni Masciarelli and Francesco Valentini. They have single-handedly put Abruzzo on the wine world radar screen. In the process they have elevated Abruzzo's two main grapes- Trebbiano d'Abruzzo and Montepulciano- to a status reserved for the traditional varieties. Between them they have garnered all of the tre bicchieri awards of the region.

Besides great wines, the Abruzzo is a beautiful place to visit. A long coastline on the Adriatic provides the seafood that is a perfect match for its Trebbiano d'Abruzzo. And game from the nearby mountains is a wonderful complement for its delicious red wines.

Grapes are grown mostly in the narrow coastal plain of these regions on the Adriatic side of Central Italy. Two grapes, both widely cultivated, make pleasant to outstanding wines. The Montepulciano d'Abruzzo is a pale, very drinkable wine that in the right hands can produce superb results. The white Trebbiano d'Abruzzo is a sharp, medium-bodies wine with a wonderful aroma.

( More pictures of wine tours in Abruzzo, Italy )

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