Giannicola di Carlo Terreum 91 Passerina – Organic Abruzzo White Wine (75cl)

Price range: £17.05 through £198.95

Additional information

Weight 1 kg
Bottle Quantity

1, 6, 12

Copper-gold, textured and unmistakably different

Terreum 91 is an organic, lightly skin-contacted Passerina from Abruzzo. Copper-gold in colour, dry and beautifully textured, it offers pink grapefruit, exotic papaya and ripe white fruit, followed by a rounded, persistent finish.

The texture is what makes this wine special. Brief contact with the grape skins gives it more body, grip and depth than a conventional Italian white, without becoming heavy or aggressively tannic. It sits comfortably between a fresh white wine and a fuller orange wine—distinctive enough for adventurous drinkers, but approachable enough for anyone discovering skin-contact wine for the first time.

Made from 100% Passerina, a traditional central Italian grape rarely encountered in the UK, Terreum 91 has natural freshness alongside its richer texture. It is properly dry, with 4g/l residual sugar, and its moderate 12.5% ABV keeps the wine balanced and extremely food-friendly.

The grapes are grown in the province of Chieti at approximately 400 metres above sea level. South-east-facing vineyards and limestone-rich soils provide favourable conditions for preserving freshness and aromatic character. The grapes are harvested by hand in September before gentle pressing and a short period of skin contact. Natural fermentation takes place without filtration, followed by brief maturation in stainless steel to retain the fruit and individual character of the Passerina grape.

The Di Carlo family’s winemaking history stretches back to 1830. Giannicola Di Carlo became an early pioneer of Italian organic viticulture when the family converted its production to organic methods in 1991. The “91” in Terreum 91 commemorates that defining moment.

The dragonfly on the label represents Bosco Valle Verde, the natural environment surrounding the family’s vineyards—an area shaped by a lake, ancient limestone caves and rich biodiversity. It reflects the producer’s belief that wine should express its landscape rather than be manufactured into a standardised style.

Serve at approximately 10°C, cool but not excessively chilled, to allow its texture and fruit to open properly. Terreum 91 is excellent with seafood, shellfish, grilled fish, seafood pasta, chicken and other white meats. It also makes a fascinating aperitif.

Wine details

  • Grape: 100% Passerina
  • Region: Abruzzo, Italy
  • Appellation: Terre di Chieti IGP
  • Style: Organic, lightly skin-contacted white–orange wine
  • Colour: Copper-gold
  • Flavours: Pink grapefruit, papaya and white fruit
  • ABV: 12.5%
  • Serving temperature: 10°C
  • Bottle size: 75cl
Donzella Answers

What You Should Know About This Wine

Helpful insights on serving, pairing and what to expect from this bottle.

🍷 Serving • Pairing • Style
Real questions our customers ask.
What distinguishes Giannicola di Carlo Terreum 91 Passerina as a white wine from Abruzzo?
Giannicola di Carlo Terreum 91 Passerina is an organic white wine made exclusively from Abruzzo’s indigenous Passerina grape. It captures the region’s character through spontaneous fermentation and natural decantation without filtration, resulting in a fresh, vibrant expression with citrus and exotic fruit notes, reflecting its Italian terroir authentically.
How would you describe the flavour profile and texture of this Passerina wine?
This wine displays a golden yellow colour with greenish reflections, presenting a fine, fruity aroma with citrus hints of pink grapefruit and exotic papaya. On the palate, it is enveloping and persistent, balanced by a clean white fruit finish that lingers pleasantly, making it both fresh and satisfying.
Which dishes should I pair with Giannicola di Carlo Terreum 91 Passerina to enhance its flavours?
Serve this wine chilled at around 8–10°C alongside Mediterranean dishes that complement its freshness—try delicate seafood plates like grilled branzino, shellfish risottos, or white meats seasoned with herbs. Its crisp citrus and exotic fruit flavours also make it a refined choice with Italian aperitifs or simple fish dishes dressed with lemon and olive oil.
Did you know? What's notable about the Passerina grape and its role in Abruzzo winemaking?
Passerina is an indigenous grape native to Abruzzo, historically appreciated for its crisp acidity and aromatic complexity. Winemakers in the region have long refined its vinification, including organic practices and spontaneous fermentation, to produce wines like this one that showcase its subtle citrus and exotic fruit character—a true expression of Abruzzo’s rich viticultural heritage.