Controguerra

About the wine

The Controguerra DOC, established in the northernmost part of the Teramo province in Abruzzo, represents a diverse and quality-focused appellation. Unlike many regional neighbors, Controguerra offers a broad spectrum of styles, ranging from traditional Montepulciano-based reds and Trebbiano-based whites to international varietals like Merlot and Cabernet, as well as refined Metodo Classico sparkling wines and passito dessert wines. The area's unique microclimate, influenced by the proximity of the Gran Sasso massif and the Adriatic Sea, provides significant diurnal temperature shifts that favor aromatic complexity and structural balance. The regulation emphasizes strict viticultural standards, including the exclusion of traditional 'pergola' systems for new plantings to favor higher density, and mandates specific aging periods for Riserva and sparkling versions. The resulting wines are noted for their elegance, ranging from the intense, tannic structure of the reds to the fresh, sapid profiles of the whites and the velvety, harmonious character of the passito styles.

Grape varieties

Production & aging

The production zone is located in the northern part of the Teramo province, Abruzzo. It is strictly limited to the administrative territories of five communes: Controguerra, Torano Nuovo, Ancarano, Corropoli, and Colonnella. The area is characterized by hilly terrain with clay-limestone soils and favorable exposures, situated at altitudes not exceeding 440 meters above sea level.