Interview with Alessandro Nicodemi, president of Consorzio Vini d’Abruzzo
and owner of the organic Fattoria Nicodemi winery
Firstly could you tell us how long you have been president of the consortium and what has changed since you took on the role? I’m on my second mandate now, I’ve been president of the consortium since September 2022. During this time, we’ve greatly increased our communications strategy, thanks also to my colleague Davide Acerra. He’s responsible for communications and he’s always in some different corner of the globe spreading the word about our wines. We’re also investing a large sum – around six million euro – on research, especially into resistant PIWI and TEA grapevines as well as ancient and rare local varieties, such as the red variety called Maiolica.
What has changed in public perception of Abruzzo wines since you began?
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo (which makes up around half Abruzzo vines) is capable of giving a simple, appealing everyday wine or a complex top-range aged wine. I think this is more widely understood nowadays. We’re also lucky to have a firm tradition of Cerasuolo – the deep cherry coloured wine made with the same grape – it’s a good moment for this kind of wine. We’ve seen a change on international markets too, while Germany has long been our top market, our USA market has increased a great deal over the last few years.
What about Modello Abruzzo.
We introduced this new framework from the 2023 harvest and it’s had a very good take up especially amongst the small private estates. Basically, producers can now include a mention of their subzone on the label for Abruzzo DOC Superiore category wines that follow the new, stricter regulations, which include smaller yields and later release dates. The four subzones are Colline Teramane, Colline Pescaresi, Terre dell’Aquila and Terre di Chieti. Abruzzo is large and the Abruzzo DOC denomination covers the whole region so it makes sense to give an indication of which geographical area the wine is from so people are aware of the sort of characteristics they are likely to find in the bottle.
And which area is your own family winery based in?
Our organic Fattoria Nicodemi winery (www.nicodemi.com), is at the heart of the Colline Teramane hills. We have 25ha under vine and we only grow native Abruzzo varieties. All of our red Montepulciano d’Abruzzo is DOCG Colline Teramane – I really believe in the importance of the subzone mention.
Which of the region’s wines has been growing most in popularity recently?
Cerasuolo has always been the most popular wine among the locals in Abruzzo and we’re pleased that it’s gaining more widespread attention now the wine world is showing greater interest in lighter structured and coloured wines. We’re actively promoting Cerasuolo as the wine which identifies our region the most.
And which should receive more attention?
Among the whites, Trebbiano d’Abruzzo has showed a certain increase over the last two or three years – Pecorino is still our top-selling white. Interesting lesser known and ancient varieties like Passerina, Coccocciola and Montonico, are also showing a slight growth, for still wines, as well as sparkling – they’re well worth seeking out!
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo is a widespread long-term favourite, what effect will the new Casauria DOCG have, do you think?
The consortium was very much behind this new DOCG. How I see it is that Montepulciano d’Abruzzo is so big it’s rather like a large uncut diamond. What we’re doing with these subzones, DOCGs and other specific denominations is hewing or sculpting the diamond, to show its true, multifaceted beauty.
How is the wine tourism scene in Abruzzo? Do many wineries offer accommodation or experiences as well as regular winery tours and tastings?
Some do of course, but we should perhaps work more with local partners to create a system. The value of the natural and cultural features of our region is undeniable – a reward for those who come and explore!
Which wine-themed events do you recommend visiting in the region?
First launched last year, Vinorum (15-17 May 2026) is our top wine event. It’s held in the beautiful regional capital, L’Aquila (Italy’s Capital for Culture for 2026) with numerous winery representatives offering tastings in addition to masterclasses and other activities.
We also work very well with Italy’s national Movimento Turismo del Vino association (www.movimentorurismodelvino.it) with open cellar days and themed events at various times through the year.
Consorzio Vini d’Abruzzo
