Montonico Bianco is an ancient white grape variety associated primarily with Abruzzo, specifically the hills of the province of Teramo, between Bisenti and Cermignano, where its presence has been documented since at least the 17th century. Its cultivation has also spread to other areas of central and southern Italy, including the Marche, Lazio, Calabria, Sicily and Umbria. It is a vigorous, late-ripening variety, well-suited to hilly terrain and inland areas.
The leaf is medium to large, orbicular or pentagonal in shape, generally five-lobed, with an open or semi-closed petiole sinus. The bunch is large, elongated, cylindrical-conical, often compact and featuring one or two wings. The berries are medium to large, spherical, with a thick, firm, pruinose skin that is yellowish-green in colour, sometimes with golden hues when fully ripe.
The wine has a straw-yellow colour, sometimes enhanced by greenish hues, and offers delicate aromas of white flowers, yellow-fleshed fruit, delicate herbs and subtle mineral notes. On the palate, it is characterised by lively acidity, good structure and a pleasant length, characteristics that support its development and also make it well-suited for use in sparkling wine production. Traditionally used for still wines, it can also express itself interestingly in wines made from dried grapes and in the preparation of the characteristic Abruzzo ‘mosto cotto’.