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The Cru Artisan College Study Guide 5 Excerpts taken from the Italian Wine Scholar Manual Colline Teramane Montepulciano d'Abruzzo DOCG must contain at least 90% Montepulciano. Al- though up to 10% Sangiovese is also allowed, most producers craft wines that are 100% Montepul- ciano. The wines must be aged for at least one year before release. The riserva must be aged for at least three years, including one year in wood. Producers use small oak barrels and/or larger botti in the cellars. Deep in color with aro- mas of ripe red and dark fruit, spices, tobacco, leather, and dark chocolate, the wines are full- bodied, robust, concentrated, and high in alcohol with dense, ripe tannins. CERULLI SPINOZZI TORRE MIGLORI GRAPE VARIETY: 100% Montepulciano REGION/DENOMINATION: Abruzzo, Colline Teramane Montepulciano d'Abruzzo DOCG VINEYARDS: In the heart of the Abruzzo region, the nutrient-rich soil consists of compact layers of shale. WINEMAKING: Carefully-selected grapes are hand-harvested in small boxes. The juice is fermented on the skins for a period of 15–18 days and aged in oak for at least 16 months. Maturation in the bottle follows for an additional six months. CLIMB EVERY MOUNTAIN A Focus On Abuzzo's Colline Teramane DOCG Colline Teramane Montepulciano d'Abruzzo is Abruzzo's only DOCG. Previously a sub-zone of the Montepulciano d'Abruzzo DOC, it was elevated to independent DOCG status in 2003. THE AREA OF PRODUCTION: Located on the border of Marche, the appellation lies in the northern part of Abruzzo within the province of Teramo. e winegrowing area extends from the Adriatic Coast to the foothills of the Gran Sasso Massif and the Monti della Laga. e vineyards are planted on gentle hills atop clay- based soils of marine and alluvial origin. e area ben- efits from the interplay between the Mediterranean influence of the Adriatic Sea to the east and the cooler air masses of the mountain peaks to the west. As a result, diurnal temperature swings are significant and constant breezes blow throughout the region. ese ideal conditions yield healthy, fully-ripe grapes while allowing for acid retention and the development of aromatic complexity. e vines are traditionally trained using the Pergola Abruzzese system, but modern vertical training sys- tems have become increasingly more common. THE GRAPE: Montepulciano is one of Italy's most widely-planted varieties. It is considered native to Abruzzo and the majority of Italy's plantings are found here. Because Montepulciano is late-ripening, it requires a long growing season. As a productive variety with thick, resistant skin, Montepulciano produces wines that vary in style from fruit-forward and easy-drinking to more structured, fleshy, and full-bodied. Montepulciano is also widely used for the production of full-bodied rosé, including those produced in the Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo DOC. Enrico Cerulli will explain how the soil and climate around the hills of Teramo make it the most prized area for Montepulciano d 'Abruzzo. COLLINE TERAMANE MONTEPULCIANO D'ABRUZZO DOCG The Wines