Controguerra is a DOC in Abruzzo, central Italy. This zone became recognized for its quality in 1996, thanks to the persistent efforts of a few winegrowers who dominated the area with their small holdings of not more than 100 acres (41ha). The producers helped bring Controguerra into the limelight by combining their innovative ideas with tradition: they produced wines from international varieties, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Riesling, which were a novelty at the time. Despite the appellation's recent fame, it has established quite a name for itself by producing some excellent red and white wines.
The DOC production area is concentrated in the province of Teramo, around the communes of Torano Nuovo, Ancarano, Corropoli, Colonel and Controguerra, which overlooks the Tronto River Valley. Winemakers there follow strict rules, whereby a single-varietal wine must consist of a minimum of 85% of the stated variety, the remainder being made up of other permitted varieties of the same color. These wines are generally produced from Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Ciliegiolo, Malvasia, Merlot, Trebbiano Toscano, Moscato Amabile, Passerina, Pinot Nero and Riesling.
Generic blends are also created from grapes of the region. On the whole, the Rosso tends towards the dry and slightly tannic, comprising mainly Montepulciano (60–85%) blended with a small amount of Merlot and/or Cabernet Sauvignon (15–40%) and a few other natives (up to 25%). There is also a Passito Rosso consisting of dried Montepulciano grapes (60–100%), occasionally adding other permitted red varieties (up to 40%). An additional term, Annoso, is given to this wine if it has been aged in a small barrel for a minimum of 30 months.
The whites are usually dry and fruity, combining a trio of white varieties: the Trebbiano Toscano (60–85%) and Passerina (15–40%) married with other white varieties recommended and/or authorized for the province of Teramo (up to 25%). The Bianco Frizzante is also made from this white medley; Spumante combines Trebbiano Toscano (60–85%) with one or more of the varieties Chardonnay, Verdicchio and Pecorino (30–40%), and up to 10% of other permitted varieties. Like the red Passito, if the Bianco Passito undergoes barrel maturation it takes on the Annoso name. The blend comprises dried grapes of Trebbiano Toscano and/or Malvasia and/or Passerina (60–100%), including other permitted white varieties (up to 40%).
