Terre Tollesi o Tullum DOCG
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Abruzzo's smallest DOCG, rooted in Roman winemaking history and elevated to Italy's 75th DOCG in 2019.
Terre Tollesi o Tullum DOCG is a tiny 19-hectare appellation in Abruzzo, elevated to Italy's 75th DOCG in 2019. It covers the commune of Tollo in Chieti Province, just 5 km from the Adriatic coast. Montepulciano dominates red production at a minimum 95%.
- Covers the entire commune of Tollo in Chieti Province, Abruzzo
- Promoted from DOC to DOCG in June 2019, the first such elevation since 2011
- Italy's 75th DOCG and only the second in Abruzzo after Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Colline Teramane
- Only 19 hectares of vineyards with two main bottlers as of 2017
- Located approximately 5 km from the Adriatic Sea and 30 km from Mount Majella
- 2017 production totalled 687 hectoliters (approximately 7,640 cases)
- DOCG status applies from the 2019 vintage onwards
History and Origins
Wine production in the Tollo area dates back to Roman times, with archaeological evidence of dolia and wine cellars confirming the region's ancient viticultural roots. A document from 1062 refers to castrum Tullum, the settlement that gives the DOCG its name. By the 18th century, Tullum wine had earned a place of celebration in the Kingdom of Naples, and medieval commercial records document wine shipments departing from the nearby port of Ortona. This long lineage of trade and prestige underpins the modern denomination's identity.
- Roman-era dolia and cellars confirm ancient wine production on the site
- The name Tullum appears in a document dated 1062
- Tullum wine was celebrated in the Kingdom of Naples by the 18th century
- Ortona port served as the commercial gateway for Tullum wines in the medieval period
Location and Terroir
The denomination sits within the commune of Tollo in Chieti Province, occupying a compact 19 hectares at elevations up to approximately 228 metres. Its position just 5 km inland from the Adriatic Sea and 30 km from Mount Majella creates a distinctive microclimate. Mediterranean warmth and Adriatic sea breezes moderate summer heat, while continental influences from the Apennines add diurnal variation. Soils are primarily calcareous clay, with clayey and calcareous profiles in the coastal zones. Many vineyards continue to use the traditional tendone pergola training system.
- Calcareous clay soils dominate, with variations near the coast
- Mediterranean climate moderated by Adriatic sea breezes and Apennine continental influence
- Maximum elevation of approximately 228 metres
- Traditional tendone pergola vine training is widely used across the denomination
Grapes and Wine Styles
Red wines are the denomination's cornerstone, built on Montepulciano at a minimum of 95% of the blend. White wines are produced from Passerina or Pecorino, each required at a minimum of 90%. Sparkling wines may be made from Chardonnay at a minimum of 60%. This focused lineup reflects the appellation's small size and its commitment to showcasing the indigenous varieties that define Abruzzo's vinous character.
- Montepulciano minimum 95% for red wines
- Passerina or Pecorino minimum 90% for white wines
- Chardonnay minimum 60% for sparkling wines
- Feudo Antico and Vigneti Radica are the two main producers
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Open Wine Lookup →Classification and Significance
Terre Tollesi o Tullum was introduced as a DOC in July 2008, then elevated to DOCG status in June 2019, making it the first Italian DOC to gain DOCG promotion since 2011. It is Italy's 75th DOCG and only the second DOCG in Abruzzo, following Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Colline Teramane. Despite its small scale, with just 19 hectares and production of 687 hectoliters in 2017, the elevation to DOCG represents a significant recognition of the zone's distinct terroir and historical importance.
- Introduced as DOC in July 2008, elevated to DOCG in June 2019
- First DOC elevated to DOCG in Italy since 2011
- Italy's 75th DOCG overall
- Second DOCG in Abruzzo after Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Colline Teramane
Montepulciano-based reds typically show deep colour with dark cherry and plum fruit, firm tannins, and earthy, spiced notes shaped by calcareous clay soils and Adriatic-influenced warmth. Whites from Passerina and Pecorino tend toward fresh acidity with citrus and stone fruit character.
- Feudo Antico Tullum Montepulciano$20-35One of only two main bottlers in the DOCG, producing Montepulciano at minimum 95% as required by denomination rules.Find →
- Feudo Antico Tullum Pecorino$20-35White wine from Pecorino at minimum 90%, showcasing the indigenous white variety of this tiny Abruzzo DOCG.Find →
- Vigneti Radica Tullum Montepulciano$20-40Produced by the second of the two primary bottlers in Terre Tollesi o Tullum DOCG from calcareous clay soils.Find →
- Elevated from DOC (July 2008) to DOCG (June 2019); Italy's 75th DOCG and first DOC-to-DOCG promotion since 2011
- Second DOCG in Abruzzo; the first was Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Colline Teramane
- Red wines require minimum 95% Montepulciano; whites require minimum 90% Passerina or Pecorino; sparkling requires minimum 60% Chardonnay
- Covers the entire commune of Tollo in Chieti Province; only 19 hectares under vine with two main bottlers
- DOCG designation applies from the 2019 vintage onwards