Tullum DOC

People have asked about the new Tullum DOC and in the absence of sources in English language I’ve created a very concise overview of the newest denomination of Abruzzo region.

First of all, what is a DOC?
DOC (Denominazione d’Origine Controllata) or DOCG (Denominazione d’Origine Controllata e Garantita) is a quality assurance label meaning that wine has been produced within the specified region using defined grapes and methods of winemaking.
In Italy there are approximately 300 DOC and DOCG denominations, of which Abruzzo has one DOCG (Montepulciano d’Abruzzo Colline Teramane) and until 2008 three DOCs (Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, Controguerra and Trebbiano d’Abruzzo). DOC Tullum or Terre Tollesi is the newest denomination, launched in 2008.

What is DOC Tullum about?
DOC Tullum or Terre Tollesi means that the grapes are cultivated in Tollo (Province of Chieti) and that wine is made and bottled in Tollo. Tollo is an area about 5 km from the Adriatic Sea and about 30 km from the Maiella Montain that enjoys a unique mix of delicate sea breezes and the thermal excursions charateristic of the high altitudes.
Excluded are the grapes that grow in the valley or below 80 meters from sea level. Density of vines must not be above 3300 per hectare and maximum production per hectare is from 9 – 13 tonnes, depending on the variety.
There are six sub-types of Tullum DOC. Four whites: Tullum Bianco, Tullum Superiore, Pecorino and Passerina and two reds: Tullum Rosso and Tullum Rosso Riserva. For each sub-type there are strict specifications about the used variety, winemaking techniques, alcohol, acidity etc.

For example here in Vigneti Radica we produce Pecorino Tullum DOC and it has to meet the following characteristics:
- minimum 90% of Pecorino variety
- maximum production per hectare is 9 t
- minimum alcohol content must be 12%
- the wine must have rather intense straw yellow color and delicate aroma of fruit. The taste has to be dry, fresh, and sapid.

More information (in Italian) about Tullum DOC can be found at http://www.tullum.it/ .