Abruzzo runs from the high Apennine mountains down to the Adriatic coast, and is best known internationally for Montepulciano d'Abruzzo — not to be confused with the Tuscan town of Montepulciano — a deeply coloured, softly tannic red that's become one of Italy's most widely exported everyday wines. The same grape, made in a lighter style, produces Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo, one of Italy's more serious rosés.

Key grapes: Montepulciano, Trebbiano, Pecorino