Colli del Sangro

The Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) "Colli del Sangro" is reserved for white wines (also in the sparkling and passito types), red wines (also in the sparkling, passito and novello types) and rosé wines (also in the sparkling and novello types).

Grapes

Colli del Sangro" wines with Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) must be obtained from grapes coming from vineyards composed of one or more vines suitable for cultivation in the Abruzzo region. The minimum quota is 85% for the specification of white grapes Chardonnay, Cococciola, Falanghina, Fiano, Garganega, Greco, Malvasia bianca lunga, Manzoni bianco, Montonico, Moscato, Passerina, Pecorino, Pinot bianco, Pinot grigio, Riesling, Sauvignon, Trebbiano, Vermentino. For the black grapes the minimum share is 85% of Aglianico, Barbera, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Ciliegiolo, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Primitivo, Sangiovese, Syrah. Grapes of the corresponding berry colour can be used, not aromatic, suitable for cultivation in the Abruzzo region, up to a maximum of 15%.

Physicochemical and Organoleptic properties

The white (minimum total alcoholic strength by volume 10.00% vol.) and sparkling white are straw yellow in colour and give off a fruity perfume with a dry, savoury taste; the white passito (16.00% vol.) differs in colour tending towards amber with ageing. The red version (10.50% vol.), even sparkling, has a ruby red colour, a fruity aroma and a harmonious flavour; in the new version (11.00% vol.) the colour has violet reflections and the flavour is fresh and velvety; the raisin red (16.00% vol.), on the other hand, tends towards garnet colour and a sweet flavour. The rosé (10.50% vol.), even sparkling, has a more or less intense pink colour, a persistent perfume and a typical dry flavour; the rosé novello (11.00% vol.) is distinguished by its fruity aroma and fresh, velvety flavour.

Grape production area

The geographical area includes the central part of the province of Chieti, composed of a hilly strip that goes from the sea to the foot of the Maiella massif.

Specificity and historical notes

Fra' Bernardo Maria Valera, a native of the province of Chieti, in the Scherzi ditirambici, composed in the second half of the 18th century, praises the quality of the wines of the Frentana area.