Montepulciano


[mohn-teh-pool-CHAH-nooh]



Montepulciano d'Abruzzo is a type of wine grape as well as a type of red wine made from these same grapes in the Abruzzo region of east-central Italy. The grape is however recommended for 20 of Italy's 95 provinces.[1] Up to 10% Sangiovese is permitted to be added to the blend. It is typically a fruity, dry wine with soft tannins, and as such is often consumed young. If aged by the winery for more than two years, the wine may be labelled "Riserva."

This wine should not be confused with Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, a Tuscan wine made from Sangiovese and other grapes, but not the Montepulciano variety.

The quality of Montepulciano wines produced in Abruzzo (especially in the provinces of Pescara and Chieti) has been constantly improving in the last ten years, making Abruzzi, once a backwater in winemaking, one of the most interesting realites in the Italian scene.

It is blended with the grape Ciliegolo to make the wine Torgiano. It is also used as the primary grape in Rosso Conero DOCG and is a major part of the Rosso Piceno DOC blend.

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Extensive reference materials—on Italy’s 300 growing zones, 361 authorized grape varieties, and 200 of the top producers— provide essential information for restaurateurs and wine merchants, as well as for wine enthusiasts.

Beautifully illustrated as well as informative, Vino Italiano is the perfect invitation to the Italian wine experience.

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