Montepulciano

Montepulciano is a major Italian red grape, most famous in Montepulciano d'Abruzzo. It should not be confused with Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, the Tuscan wine named after the town and based mainly on Sangiovese.

As a grape, Montepulciano gives deeply coloured, generous red wines with dark cherry, plum, blackberry, spice and rounded tannins. It is important in Abruzzo, Marche, Molise and other parts of central and southern Italy.

How does Montepulciano taste?

Montepulciano typically tastes of black cherry, plum, blackberry, violet, sweet spice and sometimes cocoa or tobacco. The wines are usually medium to full-bodied, with good colour, moderate acidity and tannins that can be smooth or firm depending on style.

Young examples are juicy and accessible, while more serious versions can show oak spice, savoury depth and ageing potential. Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo, the rosé style, brings red berries, cherry and refreshing structure.

Where does Montepulciano come from?

Montepulciano is an Italian grape widely planted in central and southern Italy. Abruzzo is its best-known region, especially through Montepulciano d'Abruzzo, but the variety is also important in Marche, Molise, Umbria, Lazio and Puglia.

Despite the name, the grape is not the defining variety of Vino Nobile di Montepulciano in Tuscany. For buyers, it is clearer to think of Montepulciano as a grape most closely linked with Abruzzo and Adriatic Italy.

What styles of Montepulciano are there?

Montepulciano is made into fruity everyday reds, structured oak-aged wines, riserva styles and fresh rosato known as Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo. Dry red styles are by far the most common.

The grape can be soft and immediately enjoyable, but it also has enough colour and tannin for more ambitious wines. Oak, longer maceration and lower yields bring darker fruit, spice and a more serious profile.


What does Montepulciano pair with?

Montepulciano is excellent with pizza, lasagne, tomato pasta, meatballs, roast pork, grilled sausages, lamb, burgers and mature pecorino. Its dark fruit and rounded tannins make it highly food-friendly.

Richer bottles suit barbecue, beef stew, aubergine parmigiana and hard cheeses, while Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo is delicious with charcuterie, grilled vegetables, tuna, roast chicken and summer dishes.

Buy Montepulciano online

Montepulciano is one of Italy's most satisfying red grapes: generous, dark-fruited, versatile and often excellent value. It can be casual and juicy or serious and structured.

Explore our Montepulciano wines for expressive Italian reds, Abruzzo classics and food-friendly bottles with plum fruit, spice and real regional character.




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