In Abruzzo, the air
tastes different
Giorgio Manganelli
TERRITORY
The terroir of the Teramo Hills
Where the climate becomes wine
Controguerra, on the border between Abruzzo and Marche, has always been a land well-suited to viticulture.
At 320 metres above sea level, our hills enjoy an excellent microclimate: the Gran Sasso mountain range shields them from the cold northerly winds, whilst the Adriatic Sea – visible from here on clear days – moderates the temperatures and brings a constant breeze that enhances the aromas of the grape bunches.
Exposure, ventilation, controlled temperature range: a combination of conditions that make this area a cradle of fine wine.
Clay soils,
deep roots
The vineyards
110 hectares of vineyards, all within our sight
From the winery atop the hill at Controguerra, you can see almost all our plots: 110 hectares of vineyards that we cultivate and manage directly; we know and monitor every plot, from pruning to harvest.
The vines are grown partly in rows, in keeping with Abruzzo tradition, and partly under trellises, to ensure production in all weather conditions.
The grape varieties
We cultivate the great indigenous grape varieties of this region: Montepulciano, Trebbiano, Passerina, Pecorino and Verdicchio. Each finds its own distinctive expression within our range: from the Montepulciano used in our Reserve wines, which reaches its peak complexity after years of ageing, to the indigenous white wines that faithfully reflect the character of the clay-rich terroir from which they originate.
TERRITORIO
The names
Abruzzo’s only DOCG originates here
Our wines fall under two designations: the Controguerra DOC and the Colline Teramane Montepulciano d’Abruzzo DOCG, currently the only DOCG in the whole of Abruzzo.
It was Dino Illuminati who first believed that these hills deserved a designation of excellence: it was he who forged links between local producers, spearheaded the establishment of the Consorzio di Tutela and, for years, championed a collective project that has, over time, changed the history of Abruzzo wine.
Our relationship with the land
Practical care, day after day
We work to preserve the soil and allow it to bear fruit naturally.
We keep the use of plant protection products to a minimum, use organic fertilisers, and maintain grass cover between the rows to encourage soil life.
Many tasks in the vineyard are still carried out by hand – from pruning to harvesting – because human presence and attention make all the difference.
We pay close attention to the biodiversity surrounding the vineyards: hedgerows, fruit trees and grassy strips are all part of an ecosystem that supports the vineyard and makes it more resilient.