Montepulciano d'Abruzzo is most likely a variety of Tuscan origin and should not be confused with the similarly named, truly Tuscan Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, which is based on Sangiovese (it must contain at least 70% of this variety). The Montelpulciano d'Abruzzo DOC, established in 1968, is an appellation covering a fairly large area, essentially the entire 120 km long Adriatic coast, the eastern side of the province with a width of 32 km, from Marche to Molise. The wines under the appellation must contain at least 85% Montepulciano d'Abruzzo, 15% can be Sangiovese.
The Colline Terramane DOCG has stricter protection, it was created in 2003 and the wines must contain 90% Montepulciano, with a maximum of 10% Sangiovese. A minimum of two years of aging is required, of which the wine must spend at least one year in barrel and half a year in the bottle. In the case of riserva, the aging time is at least 3 years.
Montepulciano d'Abruzzo is a late-ripening, robust, earthy, yet elegant and silky wine. Its colour is typically dark, but its tannins are soft, with the exception of riserva, it can also be enjoyed young.
