Montepulciano

Montepulciano is one of Italy’s most widely planted grape varieties and is known for producing bold, approachable wines with rich fruit flavours and a rustic edge. Most famously associated with Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, this grape thrives in Italy’s central and southern regions and is prized for its adaptability and high-quality production.

Despite its name, Montepulciano is not connected to the Tuscan town of Montepulciano or the wine Vino Nobile di Montepulciano (made from Sangiovese). This confusion often arises but is clarified by the grape’s historical association with Abruzzo, Marche, and other regions in central Italy. First documented in the 18th century, Montepulciano gained prominence as a workhorse grape that could produce both quantity and quality. Today, it is celebrated for its robust and approachable wines.

Montepulciano is primarily cultivated in Italy but has succeeded in other parts of the world. It is grown in California and Oregon in the United States, producing ripe, fruit-forward wines. It is also increasingly planted in warmer regions of Australia, like South Australia and Victoria. Amazing examples are on display on Waiheke Island, New Zealand, notably at Obsidian Wines, and is emerging in Argentina and Chile.

Aromas

The aromatic profile of Montepulciano is bold and complex, with dark fruits like blackberries and black cherries. You will find spicy notes of black pepper and clove, as well as herbal undertones of thyme and dried oregano.

Flavours

Montepulciano offers a rich and inviting flavour profile. Its primary notes are black cherry, plum, and boysenberry, and its secondary notes are herbs, black pepper, and sweet tobacco. You may find Tertiary flavours of leather, cocoa, and earthy undertones in aged wines.

Tannins and Body

The wine has medium to high tannins, which are firm but approachable, giving the wine a structured mouthfeel. It is medium to full-bodied, with a smooth and velvety texture.

Cool v Warm climate

Montepulciano’s adaptability results in distinct stylistic differences depending on the growing region:

Cool-climate wines have brighter red fruits like cherry and raspberry, with herbal and floral nuances. Higher acidity contributes to a fresher and more vibrant profile. Firmer and more pronounced tannins enhance structure and longevity. The wines are elegant and restrained, focusing on freshness and minerality. You will find these wines in higher-altitude vineyards in Abruzzo and Marche.

Warm-climate wines have riper dark fruits like blackberry and plum, with richer spice and earthy tones. Balanced acidity results in a rounder and more fruit-forward style. Softer and smoother tannins make the wine approachable in its youth. The wines are fuller-bodied and robust, with bold flavours and greater depth. You will find these wines in lowland vineyards in Abruzzo, southern Italy, and New World regions like Australia and Argentina.

Listed below are the wineries that produce Montepulciano.

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