Colline Frentane

The Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) "Colline Frentane" includes white wines (also in the sparkling and passito types), red wines (also in the sparkling, passito and novello variants) and rosé wines (also in the sparkling and novello variants).

Grapes

The Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) "Colline Frentane" is reserved for wines obtained from grapes from vineyards composed of one or more vines suitable for cultivation in Abruzzo. A minimum quota of 85% is set for the specification of white grapes Chardonnay, Cococciola, Falanghina, Fiano, Greco, Malvasia bianca lunga, Manzoni bianco, Montonico, Moscato, Passerina, Pecorino, Pinot bianco, Pinot grigio, Sauvignon, Trebbiano, Vermentino, for white grapes. A minimum quota of 85% is foreseen for the specification of the black grapes Aglianico, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Ciliegiolo, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Primitivo, Sangiovese, Syrah. For the remaining part (maximum 15%) can be used grapes from berry varieties of the same color, suitable for cultivation in Abruzzo.

Physicochemical and Organoleptic properties

The white wine (minimum total alcoholic strength by volume of 10.00% vol.), even sparkling, is characterized by its straw yellow color, fruity aroma and dry and flavorful. The Passito version (16.00% vol.) differs in color, which tends to amber with aging. The Red (10.50% vol.) and Sparkling Red types have a ruby colour, a fruity aroma and a harmonious taste. The Novello (11.00% vol.) stands out for its violet reflections and fresh, velvety flavour. Passito (16.00% vol.) has a garnet colour, an intense aroma and a sweet taste. The Rosé (10.50% vol.), also produced in the Sparkling variant, is pink in colour, with a persistent perfume and a dry flavour. Novello (11.00%vol.), on the other hand, has a fruity aroma and a fresh, velvety taste. The parameters then vary according to the vine used, as reported in the specification.

Grape production area

The production area includes the central part of the province of Chieti, composed of an extensive hilly area that goes from the coast to the slopes of the Maiella massif.

Specificity and historical notes

Giovan Battista De Lectis, physician, politician and historian from Abruzzo, already in 1576 stated the importance of wine in the province of Chieti.