According to the Greek-Roman historian Polibio, after having defeated the Romans, Hannibal probably crossed the Apennines via a route through the ancient Cecilian way and led his army to the valleys sloping down towards the Adriatic sea for a rest and some refreshments. That was Piceni and Aprutini territory which was already known for its rich soil. Its fruits restored the army and its famous wine was used to treat the wounded.
This is proof of the ancient origins of wine-production in the province of Teramo as well as over the region as a whole.
In his Naturalis Historia Pliny the Old praised the quality and the excellent taste of Pretuziano to the heavens, and Ovid, the poet from Sulmona, in his epic poem The Metamorphosis, exalted the beauty and importance of the vineyards in the Peligna Valley (from which the Montepulciano vine historically originates), whose products were delivered to the imperial “jeunesse dorèe” in Rome.

The territory of the Hills of the province of Teramo, stretching to the north of the region between the high peaks of the Gran Sasso and the Adriatic coast, frames a stunning view of vineries which are taken care of as if they were beautiful gardens, and is a stage for the celebrations in honour of wines that have recently become famous, winning the appreciation of all wine lovers. First of all the Montepulciano d’Abruzzo “Colline Teramane”, that in November 2002 was awarded with the much sought-after title of Docg wine (Registered and Certified Designation of Origin), entering that small elite number of Italian wines which can boast such an award. The Safeguard Association, that particular body whose aim is to guarantee and improve the quality of this wine, has laid down very strict rules and regulations for itself: the yield can never exceed 90 hundred kilograms per hectare, trellised farming is banned, not less than 3500,00 stumps per hectare, the wine-making process is strictly local (within the production area) and introduction of the product into the market must not be prior to 2 years for a standard production, 3 years for the reserve. Produced by the homonymous Montepulciano vine, which has nothing to do with the Tuscan city of Montepulciano whose wine comes from the Sangiovese vine, it has all the characteristics required by a properly produced bottle: sweet and lasting in your mouth, full and vigorous but soft and round at the same time, sumptuous, a wine you can mull over, “the classical iron hand in a velvet glove”, as defined by the well known journalist –taster Daniel Thomases.

This wine is absolutely extraordinary, the result of great passion and professionalism on the part of local wine growers who largely deserve the appreciation of both amateurs and businessman in both Italy and abroad. It is by far the first red wine from Abruzzo to have achieved that important goal.

Everywhere within the district of Colline Teramane, i.e. from Controguerra to Colonnella, from S. Omero to Ancarano, from Notaresco to Morro d'Oro and Atri, the particular structure of the soil and favourable microclimate encourage the production of such a wine featuring extraordinary organoleptic sensations and which is particularly suitable to ageing. It has a rich red ruby colour with pale purplish shades, a characteristic ethereal, and an intense bouquet; the taste is dry, full, robust but harmonious and smooth, with a sensation of red ripe fruits and spices. This great wine is highly recommended with grilled red meat, particularly rich sauces and ripe cheese.

Of course the Colline Teramane do not represent a territory uniquely devoted to the sole production of Montepulciano; it is equally rich and generous in other wines produced by different vines justly embodying the millenary wine-producing vocation of this territory. The Trebbiano of Abruzzo DOC (Registered Designation of Origin) produced either by the Trebbiano of Abruzzo vine or the Trebbiano Toscano combined with other white berry vines is straw-yellow in colour. It has a pleasant, slightly scented smell and a dry, harmonious, smooth taste. This wine is highly recommended with some of the well-known local fish dishes. The Cerasuolo, produced by the same grapes of Montepulciano but with a short peeling fermentation, is a pleasant cherry-red, with a slightly winy, fruity taste and fine, intense bouquet; the taste is dry and harmonious with a bitter almond aftertaste. It is excellent served with Brodetto (fish soup).
The latest registered designation of origin was given to the Controguerra DOC in 1996. It includes several excellent white and red wines, produced from either local vines embodying the millenary tie to their territory (Pecorino, Passerina), or international vines (Cabernet, Chardonnay, Merlot, Pinot Nero and Riesling).

Apparently the origins of Il Pecorino, an Igt (Regional Geographical Indication) wine which has gained widespread success among the consumers in recent times, can be traced back to an old wild variety. It is a soft pale yellow, with a light scent of ripe citrus and acacia flowers; extremely palatable, with a bitter almond aftertaste.