Del Vastese or Histonium

The Protected Geographical Indication "del Vastese" or "Histonium" is reserved for wines: white, also in the sparkling and passito types, red, with sparkling, passito and novello variants, and rosé, with sparkling and novello versions.

Grapes

The PGI wines "del Vastese" or "Histonium" must be obtained from grapes from one or more varieties suitable for cultivation in Abruzzo. It is possible to specify one of the white grape varieties: Chardonnay, Cococciola, Falanghina, Fiano, Garganega, Greco, Malvasia bianca lunga, Manzoni bianco, Montonico, Moscato, Passerina, Pecorino, Pinot bianco, Pinot grigio, Riesling, Sauvignon, Trebbiano, Vermentino, or, black berry, Aglianico, Barbera, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Ciliegiolo, Merlot, Pinot nero, Primitivo, Sangiovese, Syrah. The relative wine, however, must be obtained from at least 85% of the grapes coming from the corresponding vine. Similar coloured grape varieties, suitable for cultivation in Abruzzo, may also be used, up to a maximum of 15%.

Physicochemical and Organoleptic properties

The white "del Vastese" or "Histonium" PGI wines (minimum total alcoholic strength by volume of 10.00% vol.), even sparkling, are straw yellow in colour, have a fruity aroma and a dry flavour. The passito type (16.00% vol.) tends towards amber depending on ageing. The red (10.50% vol), even sparkling, is ruby red in colour, with a fruity aroma and a harmonious flavour. The new red (11,00% vol.) has violet reflections, while the raisin version is tending to garnet and has a sweet taste. The rosé (10,50% vol), even sparkling, is pink in colour, with a persistent perfume and dry flavour, while the rosé novello (11.00% vol.) is distinguished by its fruity aroma and fresh flavour. The parameters may vary depending on the grape variety used.

Grape production area

The production area includes the southern part of the province of Chieti, where an extensive strip of hills, from the coast, reaches the Monti Frentani.

Specificity and historical notes

Among the most important historical testimonies on the presence of the vine and wine in the Vasto area stands out between 'Serafino Razzi (1531-1611), Dominican priest of Penne.