MONTEPULCIANO WINE

Montepulciano is a red wine made from the Montepulciano grape variety native to Abruzzo in central Italy. The grape is known for its dark-skinned berries, producing wines typically deep in colour with a rich, inky purple hue.

Montepulciano wines are usually quite bold and full of dark fruit flavours. You can often pick up tastes of ripe blackberries, cherries and plums. Subtle notes of pepper and tobacco add to the intriguing complexity of the wine.

Montepulciano wine is known for its strong tannin structure and robust mouthfeel. Because of its structure and acidity, this wine is excellent for ageing. It may develop earthy flavours as it ages, increasing the wine’s complexity and depth.

While Montepulciano is chiefly associated with red wine, a rosé version also exists, though this isn’t a common expression. It typically carries a bright pink colour and showcases lighter, fruitier characteristics than the red Montepulciano, but still maintains some robust structure and complexity.

Montepulciano’s homeland is the Abruzzo region of Italy, where it is used to make the well-known Montepulciano d’Abruzzo wine. It’s also grown in other parts of Italy, including Marche, Molise, Puglia, Umbria and even as far as Lombardy.

Outside of Italy, Montepulciano has established itself in other wine-producing countries, including Australia, New Zealand and the United States. Australian winemakers, in particular, have embraced this robust Italian grape, recognising its potential to thrive in the Australian climate.

South Australian winemakers in McLaren Vale, Adelaide Hills and Riverland have successfully grown Montepulciano vines, producing rich fruit flavours and robust tannin structures. Barossa Valley vineyards have also started to grow the Montepulciano grape. Murray Darling in New South Wales is another wine region that has success with Montepulciano vines.

Montepulciano is typically a full-bodied red wine known for its rich, dark fruit flavours. You can typically expect notes of ripe blackberries, cherries and plums. You may also detect hints of pepper and tobacco, which add complexity and depth to its flavour.

As Montepulciano wines age, they may develop more earthy undertones, and the fruit flavours may evolve into more stewed or baked fruit profiles.

Montepulciano wines are well-structured with robust tannins, which give the wine a firm, mouth-filling feel. A good level of acidity balances out the bold flavours and tannins, leading to a pleasantly balanced wine.

It’s important to remember that the exact taste can depend on a variety of factors, including the specific region where the grapes are grown, the winemaking process and the age of the wine. Montepulciano wines from Abruzzo, for example, are often more fruit-forward with a soft texture, while those from Murray Darling are typically more structured and robust.

Montepulciano wine’s bold flavours, full body and robust tannins make it an excellent match for hearty dishes. It stands up well to red meats, including beef, lamb and venison. Top choices include grilled steak, lamb skewers or a hearty beef stew. Rich, flavourful poultry dishes like duck and spicy chicken or pork-based meals can pair very well with Montepulciano wine.

Given its Italian origins, Montepulciano wine pairs naturally well with pizza and pasta, especially those with tomato-based or meat sauces. Likewise, the wine’s tannins and acidity balance the fat and protein of strong aged cheeses such as Pecorino Romano or Parmigiano-Reggiano.

These are just suggestions. The best pairing truly depends on your tastes and preferences. Enjoy experimenting with different combinations to find your perfect match.

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo wine, from the Abruzzo region in Italy, is highly regarded. However, great Montepulciano wines are now being made in Australia in regions such as Adelaide Hills, McLaren Vale and Riverland. Here, Montepulciano wines offer generous dark fruit flavours, a touch of spice and an approachable structure thanks to well-rounded tannins. These wines are usually ready to drink upon release but can also be cellared for a few years. Australian Montepulciano wines are an excellent choice for those who enjoy the grape’s character but seek a softer, more fruit-forward style.

Like most red wines, Montepulciano wine should be served slightly cooler than typical room temperature at around 15-18°C. If the wine is served too warm, the alcohol tends to be overly noticeable. If served too cold, the flavours and aromas may be masked.

Decanting is not always necessary for Montepulciano wine. However, it does enhance the flavour, though young wines should be decanted for a shorter period.

A large, round glass that narrows at the top (also known as a Bordeaux glass) is ideal for serving Montepulciano, though some enjoy it with a Burgundy glass. This shape helps to trap the wine’s aromas and delivers more flavour.