Montepulciano is one of Italy’s most popular red wine grapes, loved for its smooth texture, ripe fruit flavours and excellent value. It produces approachable, food-friendly wines that suit everything from midweek dinners to relaxed gatherings with friends.
If you enjoy easy-drinking reds that still offer depth and character, Montepulciano deserves a place in your collection. In this guide, we explore its history, taste profile, food pairings and how to choose the best bottles in the UK.
You can browse Montepulciano wines and all other grape varieties via our Shop by Grape hub, where wines are filtered by grape for easy discovery.
What Is Montepulciano?
Montepulciano is a red grape variety grown mainly in central and southern Italy. It should not be confused with the Tuscan town of Montepulciano, which produces Vino Nobile made primarily from Sangiovese.
The grape Montepulciano is best known for producing:
- Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
- Montepulciano del Molise
- Rosso Conero
These wines are typically smooth, fruit-forward and very drinkable.
The History of Montepulciano
Montepulciano has been cultivated in central Italy for centuries, particularly in the Abruzzo region. It gained popularity because of its ability to produce reliable, flavourful wines even in challenging conditions.
Today, it is one of Italy’s most widely planted grapes, making it a staple on wine lists around the world.
Where Is Montepulciano Grown?
Abruzzo – The Heartland
Abruzzo on Italy’s east coast is Montepulciano’s spiritual home.
- Montepulciano d’Abruzzo DOC
- Montepulciano d’Abruzzo Riserva
These wines offer excellent value and consistency.
Other Regions
Montepulciano is also grown in:
- Molise
- Marche (Rosso Conero)
- Puglia
How Does Montepulciano Taste?
Montepulciano wines are smooth and fruit-driven.
Typical aromas and flavours include:
- Black cherry
- Plum
- Blackberry
- Chocolate
- Gentle spice
- Herbal notes
Structure
- Medium to full body
- Moderate acidity
- Soft tannins
- Dry style
This structure makes Montepulciano very approachable.
Food Pairing Guide: What to Eat with Montepulciano
Italian Dishes
- Pasta with meat sauce
- Lasagne
- Pizza
- Grilled aubergine
Meat Pairings
- Beef burgers
- Roast chicken
- Sausages
- Lamb cutlets
British Comfort Food
- Shepherd’s pie
- Sausage and mash
- Beef stew
Montepulciano vs Other Italian Reds
If you enjoy Montepulciano, you may also like:
- Primitivo – richer and bolder
- Nero d’Avola – darker fruit and spice
- Sangiovese – higher acidity and savoury edge
How to Choose Montepulciano in the UK
When buying Montepulciano, consider:
- DOC status
- Riserva vs standard
- Oak ageing
- Occasion
Explore current bottles via our Shop by Grape directory to compare styles.
Price Guide
- £8–£12: Everyday drinking
- £12–£18: Better quality bottles
- £18+: Riserva wines
Best Occasions for Montepulciano
- Midweek dinners
- Family meals
- Casual parties
- Italian nights
How to Serve Montepulciano
- Temperature: 16–18°C
- Glass: Medium red wine glass
- Decanting: Optional
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Montepulciano dry?
Yes, almost all Montepulciano wines are dry.
Is Montepulciano sweet?
No, but ripe fruit can give a sweet impression.
Is Montepulciano good value?
Yes, it is known for offering excellent quality for the price.
Explore Montepulciano Wines
Visit the Shop by Grape hub to see all available Montepulciano wines for UK delivery.
Whether you are planning a relaxed dinner or hosting friends, Montepulciano offers smooth, crowd-pleasing flavour in every glass.
