Word on the Vine: Montepulciano

The dominant grape variety of Abruzzo makes quintessential, food-friendly Italian reds with soft tannins

THE GRAPE

Montepulciano is the signature red wine of Abruzzo in southern Italy, representing over 80 per cent of the region’s DOC output. The montepulciano grape yields dark, fruity wines traditionally known for offering impressive value for money – and, increasingly, impressive quality, from easydrinking everyday bottles to age-worthy Riservas. It is not to be confused with Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, made from the sangiovese grape and named after a town in Tuscany.

THE TASTE

Expect enticing aromas of black cherries and red berries, with occasional hints of herbs and dried flowers. On the palate, these wines are soft and rounded, delivering juicy flavours of plum, violet, chocolate and gentle spice. Riservas stand out for their combination of elegant tannins, concentration and complexity imparted by extended oak ageing.

THE VINES

Abruzzo sits half-way down the leg of Italy between the Apennine Mountains and the Adriatic coast, where vines benefit from mountain protection and warming sea breezes. Montepulciano is the region’s dominant grape variety, planted across some 17,000 hectares and accounting for over half of all vineyard area. The grape performs best at higher elevations of 300-400m, where cooler conditions help maintain balance. Recent years have seen a renaissance of small, independent producers rediscovering the region’s terroir.

THE MATCHES

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo is the quintessential everyday Italian red – unpretentious and food-friendly. It’s a natural match for pizza, lasagne and pasta with rich tomato-based sauces, but soft tannins and juicy fruit work in harmony with most hearty comfort food. Try it with sausage and mash or a rustic vegetable stew.

This article was taken from the March 2026 issue of Food and Travel. To subscribe today, click here.