The public hearing for the DOCG requested by local producers already in 2016 is scheduled on April 7. A long and complex process that Covid has certainly not made it easier.
Casauria: the territory
Established in 2006, today Casauria or Terre di Casauria is a subzone within the Montepulciano d'Abruzzo appellation. The Abbey of San Clemente a Casauria represents the heart of the territory, a magnificent example of Romanesque art, with two municipalities that bear its name: Tocco da Casauria and Castiglione a Casauria. After 10 years from its set up, the local producers have started the process that could lead soon to the rise of Casauria DOCG. The Casauria companies live off Montepulciano d'Abruzzo, but the common though is that the new appellation would allow to focus the attention on this specific territory that characterizes this corner of Abruzzo: the foothills of Val Pescara.
Unlike Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Colline Teramane, the other Abruzzo DOCG, in Casauria the focus is on the appellation of origin rather than on the grape variety, even if Montepulciano takes center stage here.
Casauria: the product specification
The territory of Casauria is characterized by the absolute verticality of producers. They all produce wines from their own grapes, and have direct control of the territory and winemaking. An economy that represents hundreds of companies employing 400-500 families in a very dynamic scenario, where many new businesses are emerging in the area.
The new product specification has strict rules: Montepulciano d'Abruzzo DOC allows the production of 140 quintals per hectare at present, whereas the one of the Casauria subzone allows only 95 quintals per hectare. The amendments just approved by the Ministry for the Abruzzo product specification, however, bring the Montepulciano d'Abruzzo yield to 150 quintals per hectare. The new Casauria product specification waiting for approval, instead, will allow only 90 quintals. Two production worlds too different to tell under the same name.
Besides, the Montepulciano d'Abruzzo product specification allows the bottling throughout Italy, and we are well aware that many producers outside the region take advantage of this opportunity. Casauria, on the other hand, can be bottled only within the production area.
Lastly, the product specification includes a clone of the Montepulciano grape variety called ‘Casauria’, selected in this territory and characterized by great qualitative performances.
In short, there are all the ingredients for a new, successful appellation. Stay tuned!
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