The Wine Reference🍷 SupportMontepulciano grape
Montepulciano is a red grape known for plum, black cherry, spice. Its best-known homes are Abruzzo, Marche.
Origin and history
A central Italian variety long rooted in Abruzzo and the Marche; despite the name, it has nothing to do with the Tuscan town of Montepulciano.
Where it grows
Abruzzo (Montepulciano d'Abruzzo, Colline Teramane DOCG), Marche (Rosso Conero, Rosso Piceno), Molise and Puglia; small plantings in Australia and California.
Structure
Medium to full body, deep colour, ripe soft-to-firm tannins and moderate acidity.
Aromas, young and aged
Young: black plum, black cherry, blackberry, oregano and pepper. With age: dried fruit, liquorice, tobacco and leather.
Ageing
Everyday wines best within 2–5 years; top Colline Teramane and Conero Riserva age 10–20 years.
Also known as
Cordisco (Abruzzo, Molise).
Good to know
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano in Tuscany is made from Sangiovese, not this grape; Abruzzo's deep pink Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo rosé, however, is pure Montepulciano.
Wine regions for Montepulciano
Montepulciano wines to try
Real bottles from The Wine Library.
Masciarelli Montepulciano d'Abruzzo
Abruzzo · Montepulciano d'Abruzzo · Montepulciano
Generous and smooth: plum, black cherry and soft spice.
Food: Arrosticini, pizza, pasta with ragù
Masciarelli Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo
Abruzzo · Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo · Montepulciano
Deep cherry-pink Abruzzo rosé: red cherry, herbs and a savoury bite.
Food: Pizza, grilled fish
Similar red grapes
Explore all grapes in the interactive guide
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