By Jamie Knee, Petite Wine Traveler, Luxury Wine Travel Writer
When I think of summer travel, my mind drifts to the coast—sun-drenched beaches, fresh seafood, and crisp, refreshing wines. This year, my first wine adventure led me to a true Italian treasure: Abruzzo. With its wild coastline, world-class rosé, and untouched charm, it’s one of Italy’s best-kept secrets for luxury travel and wine lovers.
The Charm of Abruzzo’s Trabocchi Coast
Nestled along the Adriatic Sea, Abruzzo’s coastline—known as the Trabocchi Coast—stretches for 44 miles and is part of a UNESCO World Heritage landscape. Dotted with ancient wooden fishing structures called trabocchi, this area offers postcard-worthy views, serene beaches, and the kind of authentic Italian culture that travelers dream of.
From Montepulciano to Cerasuolo: A Wine Lover’s Dream
Abruzzo is home to over 89,000 acres of vineyards and produces around 92,000 gallons of wine annually. Most wine enthusiasts are familiar with Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, a red wine made primarily from the Montepulciano grape, known for its deep color, bold tannins, and fresh fruit notes.
But for summer, Abruzzo’s real star is Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo—a rosé like no other.
Adriatic Sea.
What Is Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo?
Named after the Italian word for “cherry-hued,” Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo is a vibrant pink wine made from the same Montepulciano grape. Though officially recognized as a DOC only in 2010, locals have enjoyed this wine for generations. Traditionally, grandmothers in the region would crush local cherries into syrup to pour over summer granitas for their grandchildren. Cerasuolo captures this same bright, joyful essence.
Why Cerasuolo Is Your Summer Rosé Upgrade
Unlike pale Provence-style rosés, Cerasuolo has:
- A deeper cherry-pink hue
- Fuller body and more structure
- Lively red fruit and floral notes
- Light tannins with a clean, dry finish
Pairing tip: Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo is a match made in heaven for lobster, crab salad, grilled seafood, or even pizza. Serve it chilled (around 50°F) and let it elevate your next seaside lunch.
Here are a few standout bottles from my trip:
VILLA GEMMA by Masciarelli (13.5% ABV)
Light cherry-red with notes of apple peel, strawberry, and red peach.
masciarelliwine.com
AMORINO 2020 by Castorani (13% ABV)
Light pink, with notes of red fruit, baking spices, and cocoa.
castorani.it
HEDÒS 2020 by Cantina Tollo (13.5% ABV)
Bright rose color with ripe red fruit and violet undertones.
cantinatollo.it
PROPE by Velenosi (12.5% ABV)
Intensely pink, bursting with floral and raspberry aromas.
velenosivini.com
http://www.velanosivini.com
Why Luxury Travelers Should Visit Abruzzo
If you’re looking to escape the crowds of Amalfi or Tuscany’s tourist trails, Abruzzo offers:
- Exclusive beachside dining on trabocchi
- Untapped wine trails and boutique producers
- Locally-sourced seafood platters with unparalleled freshness
- Authentic Italian culture with five-star experiences
Whether you’re a PR firm curating bespoke travel itineraries, or a luxury traveler seeking a new destination, Abruzzo delivers the ideal blend of beauty, wine, and refined relaxation.
Planning Your Trip
To explore more about wine tourism in Abruzzo, visit:
🌐 Vini d’Abruzzo
🌐 Italia.it
🌐 IEEM USA
