Wine at the Table
Montepulciano d'Abruzzo
The short answer
Montepulciano d'Abruzzo is a soft, dark, everyday red wine from Abruzzo in central Italy, made from the Montepulciano grape. A natural match for tomato sauce and sausage.
- Style
- Juicy, soft red, Abruzzo
- Glass
- Red wine glass
- Strength
- Typically around 12.5–14% ABV
Where it comes from
The name pairs the grape (Montepulciano) with the region (Abruzzo). It is a different wine from Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, which is made in Tuscany from Sangiovese and named after the town of Montepulciano.
What you need
- 1 bottle Montepulciano d'Abruzzo, at cool room temperature
How Larry builds it
- 01
Serve slightly cool. About 16–18°C (60–64°F). Fifteen minutes in the fridge helps on a warm day.
- 02
Let it breathe. Open a little ahead; no decanter needed for young bottles.
- 03
Pair. Red-sauce pasta, pizza, grilled sausage and sausage and peppers.
Larry’s rule: The best-value red in Italy. Sausage and peppers' house wine.
Variations worth making
Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo
A deep rosé made from the same grape.
Riserva
Aged longer before release for a firmer, deeper wine.
Questions people ask
Is Montepulciano d'Abruzzo the same as Vino Nobile di Montepulciano?
No. Montepulciano d'Abruzzo is a grape from Abruzzo; Vino Nobile is a Tuscan Sangiovese wine named after a town.
What does Montepulciano d'Abruzzo taste like?
Typically dark cherry and plum, soft tannins and a smooth, easy finish.
Does Montepulciano d'Abruzzo go with sausage and peppers?
Yes — its fruit and soft tannins suit tomato, fennel sausage and sweet peppers.
Should Montepulciano d'Abruzzo be chilled?
Lightly. Serve at cool room temperature rather than warm.
What to eat with it
Pour it like Larry
The decanters, openers and glasses Larry keeps behind the bar.
Le Chateau Hand-Blown Crystal Wine Decanter with AeratorView on Amazon →
RBT Wine Decanter with Sediment Strainer & AeratorView on Amazon →
Chateau La Derive Swan Decanter Gift SetView on Amazon →
1800ml Lead-Free Crystal Wine Decanter SetView on Amazon →
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Order Montepulciano d'Abruzzo with sausage and peppers at the spots on Larry’s lists:
More from Wine at the Table
← All 159 Italian drinksQuoting or citing this drink? Credit “Uncle Larry Adventures” and link to https://unclelarryadventures.com/beverages/montepulciano-dabruzzo.