August 6, 2026 (Ortona, Italy) — Ahead of the 2026 grape harvest, the Regional Executive, following a proposal from the Consortium for the Protection of Wines of Abruzzo (Consorzio Tutela Vini d’Abruzzo) – as has been the case in previous years – has approved measures to limit production, designed to help restore the balance between supply and demand with the aim of supporting the growth in value of Abruzzo wines. The measures adopted provide for a reduction in vineyard yields and the administrative withholding of a portion of the grape production harvested during the forthcoming harvest. As at 31 May 2026, there were still 1,084,336 hectolitres of Montepulciano d’Abruzzo DOC in cellars, whilst stocks of Pecorino totalled approximately 240,000 hectolitres across all types, more than half of which relate to the Terre d’Abruzzo PGI.
In particular, the resolution sets out a reduction in the maximum yield to be allocated to the production of Montepulciano d’Abruzzo DOC. The change is that the yield per hectare is reduced from 150 to 135 quintals. Of these 135 quintals, 110 quintals are for free production, whilst the remaining 25 quintals per hectare constitute the harvest reserve and are therefore held in reserve until 30 June 2028.
Regarding the management of the Pecorino IGT Terre d’Abruzzo/Terre Abruzzesi harvest for the 2026 vintage, the resolution sets the maximum allowable yield at 140 quintals per hectare, whilst any excess production, ranging from 140.01 to 220 q/ha, will be placed in storage until 30 September 2027, subject to any extension requested by the Consortium. Furthermore, consideration of the proposal by the Consorzio Tutela Vini d’Abruzzo for a three-year suspension of new registrations for Montepulciano d’Abruzzo and IGT Terre d’Abruzzo/Terre Abruzzesi vineyards has been postponed.
These issues will be addressed from September onwards ina dedicated consultation forum comprising the Consortium for the Protection of Wines of Abruzzo, the main professional agricultural organisations, organisations representing the cooperative sector, and the Abruzzo Region, which is required to implement the decisions agreed upon by the sector through its own legislation.
“The decisions taken are the result of an in-depth consultation process with the Consorzio Tutela Vini d’Abruzzo and with representatives from across the entire wine sector. The Region – explained Emanuele Imprudente, Vice-President of the Region and Councillor for Agriculture – continues to play a coordinating and synthesising role, promoting constant dialogue amongst all stakeholders in the sector to identify balanced and agreed measures capable of safeguarding producers’ incomes and preserving the value of our designations, whilst avoiding imbalances that could jeopardise the sector’s competitiveness. “On the issue of new vineyard registrations too,” concluded Imprudente, “we intend to continue the dialogue through the consultation forum to be convened in September, because such strategic decisions must be developed with the input of all stakeholders.” “The measures adopted are intended to preserve market balance and prevent a significant fall in prices, particularly for Montepulciano d’Abruzzo DOC,” noted Alessandro Nicodemi, president of Consortium for the Protection of Wines of Abruzzo, “which could jeopardise the profitability of the region’s wine-producing businesses. “This approach preserves market balance, safeguards the value of producers’ work and consolidates the position of Abruzzo wines on national and international markets, preventing an oversupply from causing a fall in prices and undermining the progress achieved in recent years.”.
