Italy has had another top appellation since last week (24 November), the DOCG Casauria. It is the 79th Italian DOCG.
Text: Ingrid Larmoyeur (The Wine Institute) | Image: Shutterstock

Named after the Abbey of San Clemente a Casauria, the appellation is located in the foothills of the Apennines, west of the coastal city of Pescara. Wines from region Abruzzo must contain 100% montepulciano and grapes come from vineyards up to 600m. A local clone of montepulciano is used. Casauria was previously part of the Montepulciano d'Abruzzo DOC as a subzone.

Highest qualification

With this new designation, Abruzzo now has three DOCG areas, the highest qualification in Italy, in addition to Colline Teramane Montepulciano d'Abruzzo and Terre Tollesi (Tullum).

The Casauria Rosso and Casauria Riserva are aged for 18 and 24 months, respectively, with alcohol percentages of >13% for the Rosso and >13.5% for the Riserva. Wood aging is allowed, if subtle, but not mandatory.

At the market

The first wines will hit the market from 2028. And what does a DOCG Casauria taste like? Expect a ruby red wine with a purple cast, beautiful ripe red fruit, fraicheur, subtle spiciness and elegant tannins.

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