What is the difference between Montepulciano and Montepulciano?
This term on Italian wine labels, “Montepulciano”, confuses not only Australians but also Italians. You see Montepulciano is both a grape and a place in Tuscany… and guess what. Wines from Montepulciano in Tuscany are not made from the grape Montepulciano. Instead, they are made mostly from Sangiovese (a special clone called Prugnolo Gentile). To find an Italian wine made from the Montepulciano grape, you need to leave Tuscany and move east to Marche or Abruzzo.
However, there is little need to fret over this as both wines probably have more similarities than differences. Firstly, they tend to go best with the same type of foods and if you like Sangiovese, then you will like Montepulciano reds – of either kind. Secondly, perhaps because of the confusion, both offer exceptional value for money.
For example, it is hard to find a good Chianti under $30 RRP, but there are stacks of lovely Montepulciano d’Abruzzo (grape) and Piceno Rosso (from Marche – a blend of Montepulciano and Sangiovese grapes) in the $15-$30 RRP range. At the top-end, you may want to buy a Brunello di Montalcino, probably the ultimate expression of Sangiovese - but you are too frightened by the price. Then try a “Vino Nobile di Montepulciano” - even splash out for a single vineyard wine such as “La Villa” above(RRP $85). You will not be disappointed in this great San
But don’t think Montepulciano, the grape, is only used to make “cheap” wines. The “Adeodato” from Monte Schiavo (pictured above) has an RRP of about $100, but is regarded as one of the very best wines from Marche. It is stunning and would thrill people prepared to pay double that price for a Brunello.
So the tip for the Tuscan wine lover here is “Like Sangiovese? Looking for great value? Then exploit the confusion, and try Montepulciano – the grape or the region”.

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