Montepulciano Grape: A Profile in Flavor

Montepulciano d'Abruzzo wines, made primarily from the Montepulciano grape, are often mistaken for Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, a wine from Tuscany made from Sangiovese grapes. However, this grape and the wine it produces are unique in flavor and style. The Montepulciano grape is known for yielding wines that exhibit a deep ruby-red hue, with a slight purplish tint in its youth, which matures to a garnet shade over time.

On the palate, Montepulciano d’Abruzzo is renowned for its soft tannins, making it approachable even in its youth. The flavor profile is marked by ripe fruits such as cherry, blackberry, and plum, followed by hints of licorice, tar, and earthy undertones. With age, these wines develop a more complex bouquet, featuring notes of tobacco, leather, and cocoa.