The pink excellence with a global voice
The Consorzio Tutela Vini d’Abruzzo leads the revival of the “Abruzzo pink” in the wine world, traditionally dominated by the classic trio of white, red and rosé, a more nuanced and sophisticated chromatic evolution is now taking place. Florence de La Rivière, in her book L’oeil du vin – Les couleurs du vin, classifies rosé into six distinctive shades for the first time: Powder Pink, Pearl Grey, Coral, Partridge Eye, Red Fruit and Shoulder Skin.
Yet, among the rich spectrum of rosé, Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo continues to stand in a league of its own. Distinguished by its unmistakable cherry-hued brilliance – vibrant, luminous and seductive – this wine is emerging as one of the most dynamic and contemporary denominations in the Italian wine scene. Behind this rise is the firm commitment of the Consorzio Tutela Vini d’Abruzzo, which is spearheading a true renaissance of the “Abruzzo pink” identity.
Produced from Montepulciano grapes, Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo is much more than just a rosé. It is a gastronomic wine, capable of pairing with a wide array of dishes – from light cuisine to ethnic and fusion food, from fish to vegetables – and offering a refined alternative to red wines, especially during warmer months.
The wine’s distinctive colour is now at the heart of an innovative project: the Consortium is working to incorporate a scientifically measured colour range into the official production specifications. This would ensure consistent visual identity, reinforcing the uniqueness of Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo within the crowded rosé landscape – especially on international markets.
The numbers speak for themselves. In 2024, over 116,500 hectolitres were declared, marking a 20% increase compared to previous years. Considering the usual gap between declared and bottled volumes, production is expected to reach nearly 12 million bottles – a figure that could make Cerasuolo the largest rosé denomination in Italy by volume.
The export performance is equally impressive: €290 million in 2024, a 15.47% increase over 2023. For the first time, the United States has overtaken Germany as the leading export market, followed by the UK, Canada, Switzerland and the Netherlands. Japan and South Korea are also on the rise, while China has experienced a slight downturn.
This success is underpinned by a clear and ambitious strategy. The “Abruzzo Model”, launched in 2023 and fully implemented from 2024, is a pioneering regional wine governance system designed to strengthen identity and streamline communication on global markets.
Among the most important innovations: the introduction of a “Superiore” classification, reserved for more rigorous, high-quality production, and the mandatory indication of the provincial subzone on labels – Colline Pescaresi, Terre de L’Aquila, Terre di Chieti, Colline Teramane. A new regional Protected Geographical Indication, Terre d’Abruzzo IGP, has also been introduced to support and enhance the value of the entire wine sector.
Tradition meets innovation in the vineyards
With 32,000 hectares under vine, 78% of which are located in the province of Chieti, Abruzzo is one of Italy’s most viticulturally devoted regions. Montepulciano d’Abruzzo remains the undisputed king of the local grape varieties, followed by Trebbiano, Pecorino, Passerina and other indigenous cultivars.
The Consorzio Tutela Vini d’Abruzzo, driven by a new generation of winemakers and oenologists, has steered the region towards a more experiential and sustainable form of wine tourism, strengthening the bond between wine and territory.
From mountain villages to coastal hamlets, passing through ancient hermitages, museums, and nature trails, the Abruzzo Wine Experience is an invitation to discover the region through its wines. Curated by the Consortium, these taste itineraries blend tradition, culture, and innovation, offering visitors a truly immersive and unforgettable journey.
The title of “Wine Region of the Year 2022”, awarded by Wine Enthusiast magazine, was a fitting tribute to a region that today stands as a virtuous model within Italy’s wine panorama. A recognition that further strengthens Abruzzo’s international appeal and positions it as a key player on the global wine stage – with Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo leading the charge.
