Montepulciano
Montepulciano is a red wine grape primarily grown in Italy, particularly in the Abruzzo region. The variety is known for producing dry red wines with soft flavors and strong color pigments. The wines typically have gentle tannins and low acidity, making them best consumed soon after bottling. However, the variety also responds well to oak aging, creating a richer, age-worthy style. Montepulciano grapes are used in roughly 30 of Italy's DOC and DOCG titles, and the variety is often blended with other grapes such as Sangiovese. Small amounts of Montepulciano are also grown in other countries like the US, New Zealand and Australia. The variety is thought to have originated in Tuscany but is not widely planted in the region.