Wine traditions and flavors of Abruzzo

Abruzzo, Europe's greenest region, is an area in Italy that boasts the beauty of the Apennine peaks and the picturesque Adriatic coast. Most of the region is under protection - there are national parks and plenty of nature reserves. The favorable climate makes Abruzzo a land of vineyards, but we can also find original flavors of local cuisine there.

Abruzzo is a unique region, mainly due to its location, thanks to which we have the opportunity to travel from the sea to the mountains . In addition, it is the only area in Europe where we can see many unique species of plants and animals threatened with extinction. Abruzzo is full of valleys and hills, and the snow-capped peaks of the Apennines reach 3000 meters above sea level. Between the sea and the mountains, a climate favorable for the cultivation of vineyards is created. The region is also famous for agriculture and cattle and sheep breeding.

Abruzzo in the glass and on the plate

The wine-growing traditions of Abruzzo date back to the 7th century BC, when the first vineyards in that region were founded by the Etruscans. Currently, in this small area of Italy, there are over 50,000. wine companies whose products are known all over the world. The largest recipients of Abruzzo wines are Germany, the United States, Canada, Switzerland, Belgium, Japan and Sweden.

Abruzzo wines are straightforward and refreshing , the best of which come from three DOCs: Montepulciano d'Abruzzo, Trebbiano d'Abruzzo and Controguerra. The most famous are the red Villa Medoro Montepulciano d'Abruzzo and the Masciarelli Villa Gemma .

The best Montepulciano wines are made from grapes grown in the Teramane hills of the Teramo province . These products are characterized by extraordinary robustness, thanks to which they also taste good as young wine. In the higher parts of the mountains, light wines are produced, more almost like Cerasuolo cherry wine.

In Abruzzo, we can also taste white wine. The local Trebbiano d'Abruzzo is characterized by an extraordinary depth of taste. The white Trebbiano, known as the Bombino Bianco , is very popular throughout the region. The name of this wine is related to the shape of a bunch that looks like a child. The light-yellow, straw-colored color is caused by a mixture of various grapevines, incl. Toscano Trebbiano, Passerina and Cococciola. Years ago, this wine was very popular in the army, hence it is sometimes called soldier's wine.

Abruzzo also has great local cuisine to offer. It is an agricultural region where cattle and sheep are kept, hence the love of meat dishes . The cuisine in this area is rich in lamb, lamb and sheep meat. The most delicious dishes of the region are arrosto di agnello di latte (lamb roast) , koyun pirzolasi (mutton chops) and agnello all'uovo e limone (lamb with egg and lemon). In the coastal region of Abruzzo, crustaceans are in the lead. They mainly prepare anchovies, mussels, octopus, cuttlefish and brodetto (spicy fish soup). Oil, tomatoes, hot peppers and vegetables such as local artichokes, carda, beans, lentils and potatoes are added to Abruzian dishes.

The charms of Vasto

Vasto is a small coastal town in Abruzzo. We will find there not only an ideal place to rest in the comfortable Camping Grotta del Saraceno , but also an extensive restaurant base that will allow us to discover new Abruzian flavors. The best ravioli and seafood are served at the local Ristorante Il Corallo, the tastiest brodetto soup - at Cibomatto, and the largest selection of wines is offered by Vineria per Passione.

After delicious food, it is worth relaxing in the shade of trees, with the soothing sound of the sea, enjoying the hospitality of the already mentioned Grotta del Saraceno Camping. This place is praised for its great location , professionalism of the staff and nice atmosphere.

The resort is very well equipped. Guests have at their disposal comfortable holiday homes with a kitchenette, bathroom, bedrooms and a patio. On the campground you can also use plots with electricity and sanitary connections.

The camping offers many attractions for the holidaymaker. There you can practice various water sports , scuba diving, canoeing, go cycling, play volleyball or football. Children can spend time in the playground , splash in the local swimming pool, where a paddling pool has been prepared for the youngest, or take advantage of the activities organized by the animators.

The delicious flavors of Abruzzo can be enjoyed in the Vistamare restaurant , located in the heart of the Camping Grotta del Saraceno, where you can enjoy delicious meat, fish and local specialties. Right next to it there is Pizzeria La Grotta , where we can order excellent Italian pizza, also to take away. A bit further, overlooking a beautiful bay, we find Bar Vistamare - a great place for breakfast, morning coffee or an aperitif. Right at the entrance to the beach is Bar Grottino , where you can have a quick lunch or stay for an aperitif at sunset, and opposite the bar is Bar Spiaggia with great cold snacks.