Abruzzo is a region on the east (Adriatic) coast of central Italy, situated halfway up the 'boot'. Its immediate neighbors are Marche to the north, Lazio to the west and south-west and Molise to the south-east.

Winemaking traditions in Abruzzo date back to the sixth century B.C. thanks to the Etruscans, who played a major role in introducing viniculture to the area. Abruzzo has at least 89,000 acres (36,000ha) of land planted to vines, with an annual production of more than 92,000 gallons (3.5 million hL). Nonetheless, in terms of quantitative wine production it remains Italy's fifth-leading wine region after Sicily, Puglia, Veneto and Emilia-Romagna.

The geographical makeup of Abruzzo is quite remarkable. A rugged, mountainous region with a lengthy coastline, its lush, green landscape is scattered with national parks and forests. Abruzzo is ideally situated between the Adriatic sea to the east, and the Apennines and Maiella mountain ranges to the west – including Gran Sasso, one of Italy's highest peaks at more than 9500ft (2895m).

It is not surprising that Abruzzo provides a perfect haven for grape growing.