Montepulciano

Without a doubt one of the best Italian grapevines, for some insiders the best, Montepulciano from Abruzzo is the uncontested ruler of regional winemaking.

In Abruzzo, Montepulciano is more than just a grapevine: it is a symbol of the entire region which is identified with local winemaking. Towards the north, in the Teramo province, one finds the origins of Montepulciano of Abruzzo Colline Teramane DOCG, but like Montepulciano of Abruzzo DOC, it has spread to all of the territories.

DOCG requires two years of aging (three for the Reserve) of which at least one is in oak or chestnut barrels and at least six months are in a bottle.

In the province of Pescara, DOC has identified Casauria and the Land of Vestini as the most suitable areas.

The fundamental characteristics of this famous red are the same for all its types: dark and highly concentrated, often hot (the vine grows well in hot areas that are exposed to the south or southeast and to dryness); when it is young, it typically has aromas of cherries and with aging, it grows in a wonderful way, acquiring aromas of spices or leather.

With its grand structure, it is the ideal companion of the meat dishes of this region, which is rich in pastoral traditions. In particular, it is excellent with lamb.

The DOC also has a version called Cerasuolo, which is probably the most famous rosé wine from Italy.

Because of the grape's characteristics, it has a structure that makes people forget all their prejudices again rosé wines and goes well with a variety of dishes, such as the typical seafood dishes from the coast.