Montepulciano grape variety

Montepulciano is a red grape variety that is mainly grown in central Italy. Its wines are full-bodied, rich in extract, with strong alcohol and moderate acidity. They typically show flavours of dark fruits such as plums and cherries, often complemented by spicy or tobacco notes. Montepulciano is an excellent accompaniment to grilled meat, savoury pasta or hearty risotto. The wines can be enjoyed when young, but higher-quality examples also show considerable ageing potential. Montepulciano as a grape variety should not be confused with the Rosso or Vino Nobile from the Tuscan town of Montepulciano - these are made from Sangiovese.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ) about Montepulciano wine

What characterises the Montepulciano grape variety?

Montepulciano is a red grape variety from central Italy. The wines are full-bodied and rich in extract, with flavours of plum, cherry, spice and tobacco. They are an excellent accompaniment to grilled meat, pasta and risotto and show good ageing potential in high-quality wines.

What is the origin of Montepulciano wine?

Montepulciano wine comes from Abruzzo in central Italy. The Montepulciano grape variety is one of the most widely cultivated in Italy and should not be confused with the town of Montepulciano in Tuscany. Montepulciano d'Abruzzo DOC is particularly well known and is appreciated for its good quality at fair prices.

What flavours does Montepulciano wine have?

Montepulciano wines are usually strong, velvety and full-bodied. Typical flavours are
- dark berries such as blackberry and black cherry
- plum

- light herbal and spicy notes
- sometimes nuances of chocolate, tobacco or leather in mature wines

How can I judge the quality of a Montepulciano wine?

- Colour: deep ruby red with violet reflections
- Aroma: clear fruit aromas, no musty or pungent notes
- Flavour: balanced, harmonious tannins, good length
- Designation of origin: "DOC" or "DOCG" is a good sign of quality
- Producer: well-known wineries usually offer reliably high quality

What dishes does Montepulciano wine go best with?

The wine harmonises ideally with spicy, hearty dishes
- Pasta with meat sauces (e.g. Ragù alla Bolognese)
- Pizza with savoury toppings
- Grilled or braised meat - Mature cheese (e.g. pecorino)

How should Montepulciano wine be stored?

- Store in a cool (10-15 °C), dark and horizontal place
- Avoid direct sunlight
- Enjoy young wines within 2-4 years

- high-quality Riserva qualities can mature for 8-12 years

What distinguishes Montepulciano wine from other Italian wines?

- Value for money: a lot of character for comparatively little money
- Velvety tannins: soft and round, less angular than a Chianti, for example
- Regional identity: an expression of Abruzzo, rustic and down-to-earth
- Versatility: suitable for everyday drinking, but also available in superior Riserva quality

What is the general price range for Montepulciano wine?

- Everyday wines: available from around €6-10
- Mid-range: between €12-20
- Top wines / Riserva: € 25-50 and above

How is Montepulciano wine made?

The grapes are usually harvested in October. After fermentation, the wines mature in stainless steel tanks or wooden barrels. A Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Riserva must be aged for at least 2 years, including 9 months in wooden barrels, before it can be sold.

What are the best-known brands of Montepulciano wine?

Some renowned producers are
- Masciarelli
- Zaccagnini
- Valentini (high-priced icon)
- Umani Ronchi - Farnese

What alternatives are there if I can't find a Montepulciano wine?

- Primitivo (Apulia) - fruity, full-bodied
- Nero d'Avola (Sicily) - spicy, powerful
- Chianti (Tuscany) - somewhat lighter, more lively in acidity
- Barbera (Piedmont) - fruity, smooth

Discover more grape varieties for red wines.

Aglianico

Aglianico is one of the oldest grape varieties from southern Italy. The first written evidence of its cultivation dates back to the 16th century. It produces high-quality wines with a deep ruby to garnet red colour and a rich, multi-layered bouquet.

Barbera

Barbera is the most widely cultivated red grape variety in the northern Italian region of Piedmont - but is also widespread in Lombardy and Emilia-Romagna. It produces fruity, accessible red wines with an intense ruby red colour and aromas of red fruits, cherries, plums and spices. They are medium-bodied on the palate, with moderate tannins and lively acidity even when fully ripe.

Carignan

Carignan originally comes from Spain - but today it is mainly at home in the neighbouring south of France, Languedoc-Roussillon. It is characterised by a deep dark colour, strong tannins and high acidity.

Carmenère

Carmenère gilt als die "Signature Grape" Chiles. Fast die Hälfte der weltweiten Bestände wachsen dort. Ursprünglich stammt die Sorte aber aus Bordeaux, wo vor der Reblauskatastrophe weit verbreitet war.

Grenache

Grenache is a red grape variety grown mainly in southern France and Spain (where it is known as Garnacha). The wines are typically medium to full-bodied, with low tannins and high acidity.

Sangiovese

Sangiovese is one of Italy's best-known red grape varieties and is mainly grown in Tuscany. The wines are known for their not too angular tannins, their strong acidity and their fruity, spicy flavour. Sangiovese wines typically show notes of cherries, red berries, leather and spices.

Airén

The Spanish grape variety Airén is one of the most widely cultivated white grapes in the world. It is particularly adaptable and resistant to drought, robust against most vine diseases and is considered to be high-yielding even on poor soils.

Elbling

Elbling is a very old white grape variety with a long history that is mainly cultivated in Germany, particularly along the upper Moselle. The wines are light, fresh and sparkling, with a strong, marked acidity and low alcohol content - which makes Elbling particularly interesting as a base wine for sparkling wines.

Garganega

Garganega is a white grape variety that is mainly grown in the Italian region of Veneto. As little known as the variety is, as famous is the wine made from it: Soave. It is usually light to medium-bodied, with moderate acidity and plenty of finesse. The wines show flavours of citrus fruits, green apples, pears and flowers, complemented by almond and mineral notes that come from the volcanic terroir.

Riesling

Riesling is one of the best-known white grape varieties and is cultivated all over the world - first and foremost in Germany, of course. It is more flexible and versatile than almost any other grape.

Sémillon

Sémillon is a noble white grape variety that originates from France, but has now also found a home in the New World. The wines are known for their fruity flavours and full body. Dry Sémillon wines typically show flavours of lemon or lime, while the sweet and noble sweet varieties have apricot, peach, honey, candied fruit or nutty tones.

Silvaner

Silvaner is a white grape variety that originated in Austria, but is now most widespread in Germany, where it plays an important role alongside Riesling. Other noteworthy stocks can still be found in Alsace in France. The wines are known for their freshness, minerality and sometimes strong, earthy character.

Here you can find information on other grape varieties.