Montepulciano
/mon-teh-pul-CHAH-noh/Montepulciano is central Italy's most planted red grape, the soul of Montepulciano d'Abruzzo. Deeply coloured and richly fruited, it produces generous, robust wines of plump dark fruit and firm structure that pair perfectly with hearty cuisine. The best old-vine examples show elegance and age-worthiness.
Grape profile
Character & style
| Trait | Character |
|---|---|
| Body | full |
| Acidity | medium |
| Tannins | high |
| Sweetness | dry |
| Alcohol tendency | medium |
| Origin | Abruzzo, Italy |
| Common flavours | dark cherry, plum, chocolate, earth, spice |
| Aromas | plum, dark cherry, blackberry, chocolate, herbs, earth |
Pairing
Best food pairings
- Grilled lamb
- pork
- pasta with ragù
- hard cheeses
Where it thrives
Key regions for Montepulciano
Italy
Abruzzo
Abruzzo's signature grape is Montepulciano, producing deep, juicy reds with soft tannins alongside crisp Trebb…
Marche
The Marche produces Italy's finest Verdicchio whites and the plummy Rosso Conero, with a growing reputation fo…
Umbria
Umbria, the 'green heart of Italy', produces the powerful, tannic Sagrantino of Montefalco and the historic wh…