Montepulciano

The King of the Abruzzo Region: Montepulciano d'Abruzzo

Although this grape is grown in many parts of central and southern Italy, its finest examples are born in the Abruzzo region, in the hills between the Apennine Mountains and the Adriatic Sea. This is where the famous Montepulciano d'Abruzzo DOC wine is produced.
The warm Mediterranean climate allows the berries to ripen perfectly while maintaining healthy acidity. Regional winemakers produce a variety of styles: from light, fruity, and young wines to powerful, oak-aged (Riserva) masterpieces.

Flavor Profile: Juicy Cherries and Chocolate

• Aroma: Very open and fruity. The glass is dominated by dark cherries, blackberries, and ripe plums. These fruity notes are accompanied by Mediterranean herbs (especially oregano), dark chocolate, and in aged wines, accents of tobacco and vanilla.
• Structure: The wine features a medium to full body and a bright, dark ruby color (often with a purple hue). Its tannins are pleasantly soft and round, while the medium acidity provides the wine with a wonderful juiciness.

Ideal Food Pairings

Montepulciano is one of the most versatile food wines, ideally suited for classic, everyday dishes.
It pairs absolutely perfectly with pizza and pasta—especially dishes flavored with tomato and meat sauces (e.g., Bolognese or Lasagna).
Thanks to its juiciness and soft tannins, this wine is a fantastic choice for grilled meats (BBQ), beef burgers, smoked sausages, and hard cheeses (e.g., Parmigiano-Reggiano).

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Montepulciano d'Abruzzo and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano?

This is one of the biggest confusions in the wine world! Montepulciano d'Abruzzo is a wine made from the Montepulciano grape in the Abruzzo region. Meanwhile, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano is a wine from the Tuscany region, specifically around the town of Montepulciano, and is made from the Sangiovese grape. They are two completely different grapes and different wines.

What is Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo?

This is an exceptional, deep dark pink (sometimes even light red) rosé wine made from the exact same Montepulciano grapes. Due to a short maceration with the dark skins, this wine acquires its distinctive cherry color and flavor, and possesses a slightly firmer structure than typical rosé wines.

Is this wine suitable for aging?

Most entry-level Montepulciano d'Abruzzo wines are designed to be drunk young (within the first 3–5 years) to enjoy their fresh fruitiness. However, Riserva category wines, which are aged in oak barrels and made from the best vineyards, can age beautifully in the bottle for 10 years or more.