Varietal Character
Montepulciano
You are the proprietor of a small family trattoria in Abruzzo, a place where construction workers and local merchants enjoy a humble but delicious repast. You're uncomplicated, refreshing, easy going, and always sporting a charming smile on your bright red face. You'll never be famous outside of your Adriatic home, but locals and the occasional visitor praise your contributions to the everyday Italian table. You are equally at ease working at the ristorante, in the cucina at home, or on the terazza beside a sizzling grill on Ferragosto.
Appellations Growing Montepulciano Grapes
Appellations producing the most Montepulciano wines:
Montepulciano Grape Details
Montepulciano, the grape variety – not to be confused with the famous hill town in Tuscany responsible for the Sangiovese based wines known as Vino Nobile di Montepuliciano – is rarely afforded much attention. However, given some care in the vineyard and winery, it is capable of making deeply pigmented red wines, with ample structure and a pleasant suppleness.
The grapes are primarily grown in the province of Abruzzo along Italy’s Adriatic coast. Here, it is often blended with Sangiovese, as is the case in the district of Montepulciano d’Abruzzo Colline Teramine which has recently been granted DOCG status. Although most wines made from Montepulciano are destined for bulk and value wine production, there is an ever increasing amount of winemakers producing quality versions. Arguably some of the best expressions of the grape come from the Rosso Conero and Rosso Piceno DOC’s in the neighbouring Marches region. Despite a plethora of unique Italian grape varieties under vine in California, Montepulciano has yet to gain any significant acreage.
