Montepulciano d'Abruzzo – Wine in Focus

Montepulciano d'Abruzzo is one of Italy's most famous wines and can be found on wine store shelves all around the world. This classic, well-rounded, plum-scented Italian red is made from Montepulciano grapes grown in the Abruzzo region, on Italy's Adriatic coast.

Montepulciano d'Abruzzo is a medium-bodied red Italian wine that is produced in all four provinces of Abruzzo. The wines must be made from at least 85% of Montepulciano grapes, while the only other permitted variety is Sangiovese. Though Montepulciano d'Abruzzo wines may vary in style, they are typically dark-red, with earthy notes of dark fruits and spices.

Montepulciano, one of Italy's most popular red wine grapes, has thrived in Abruzzo since the middle of the 18th century. A plump grape, which gives good yields of easy-drinking wine, it is popular with producers and consumers alike. The variety typically provides deeply coloured juice (which varies from ruby to purple depending on vintage and the particular winemaking techniques used) with low acidity and soft, unobtrusive tannins.

The Montepulciano grape variety is almost entirely unconnected with the Tuscan town of Montepulciano with which it shares its name. The grape was named after the town and was once widely used there. They have some ageing potential and are mostly at the low end of the price spectrum. This food-friendly wine pairs well with lamb, beef, and tomato-based pasta dishes. Montepulciano d'Abruzzo should not be mistaken with a Tuscan village of the same name, famous for its wine Vin Nobile di Montepulciano (made from Sangiovese grapes).

To earn the right to be called Riserva a Montepulciano d'Abruzzo wine must spend at least three years ageing (at least six months of which must be in oak) before being released to the market. These wines have the ability to age exceptionally well if the right winemaking know-how is put into practice.

There are five viticultural sub-zones which have been identified as producing Montepulciano d'Abruzzo wines of a particular quality, and their names may well be found on labels, written as part of the appellation title. These are Alto Tirino, Casauria, Teate, Terre dei Peligni and Terre dei Vestini.

Serve this wine with dishes like Sugo all’Amatriciana, Arrosticini, Mrouzia, Sagne e fagioli and Maccheroni alla chitarra. Some of the cheeses that go extremely well with this wine are Silter, Bagoss, Ubriaco, Asiago and of course Parmigiano Reggiano.

We can’t wait to get our hands on one of the finest Abruzzo wines. Have you tried Montepulciano yet?

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Source(s): TasteAtlas, WineSearcher