Free-air CO2 enrichment (FACE) experiments the study of the effects of elevated [CO2] on plants and ecosystems grown under natural conditions without enclosure. Here the results of the first harvest 2011/2012 on the aboveground biomass production, grain yield and grain quality of 12 durum wheat (Triticum turgidum var. durum) genotypes grown under FACE conditions. These genotypes are representative of the durum wheat breeding history in Italy. The free-air system, installed in the experimental farm of the Genomics Research Centre of CRA in Fiorenzuola d’Arda, allows the study of the effect of increased atmospheric CO2 mixing ratios, expected for the mid of the 21st century on crop yield and quality. The results showed an increase in biomass and grain yield and a decrease in grain crude nitrogen content due to elevated CO2. Moreover, high genetic variability was observed for all of these traits within the genotypes.