The province of Chieti is the part of Abruzzo where most of the region's vines are concentrated: hills that run down from the Maiella towards the Adriatic, covered in pergolas and rows. For almost thirty years the area's wines that fell outside the DOCs used the Terre di Chieti typical geographical indication, created in 1995. It was a significant IGT in volume too: about 2,263 hectares of vineyard and an output of 222,100 hectolitres.
An IGT merged into the region
With the creation in 2024 of the regional Terre Abruzzesi IGP, the Terre di Chieti indication was effectively absorbed, and in 2026 it was officially cancelled. Bottles from past vintages remain on sale and in cellars, which is why the name is still often seen: new labels carry Terre Abruzzesi instead. This page explains how the indication was structured.
Many grapes, much freedom
Bianco, Rosato and Rosso could use the grapes permitted in Abruzzo in any proportion, including frizzante versions. With a grape name on the label, at least 85% of that grape was required. Among the whites the Abruzzo natives stood out: Pecorino, Passerina, Cococciola, Montonico and Trebbiano, alongside Falanghina, Fiano, Chardonnay and others. The reds included Sangiovese, Merlot, Cabernet, Syrah, Primitivo and more. Wines with two grapes on the label were also allowed, the first at 50 to 85% and the second at 15 to 50%, as well as Novello, Bianco Passito and Rosso Passito. Minimum alcohol was 10%.
Cococciola and Passerina in particular found room in the IGT to make themselves known: fresh, citrusy whites to drink young.
Where to go next
For the province's most representative wines, look to the regional DOCs: Montepulciano d'Abruzzo for reds, Trebbiano d'Abruzzo for whites and Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo for rosés.
