Montepulciano is the second most cultivated black grape variety produced in Italy.

The famous Italian wine "Montepulciano d'Abruzzo" (Montepulciano d'Abruzzo), which is made mainly from this variety, is characterized by its richness derived from black grape varieties. Because of its high cost performance, it is loved by wine beginners and advanced users alike.

This time, I would like to introduce the charm of Montepulciano.

Montepulciano is named after the city of the same name in Tuscany.

It is widely cultivated in Abruzzo in the central eastern part of Italy, Marche in the northwest of the same Adriatic coast, and Umbria, which is called the "navel of Italy". In the whole of Italy, it is the second largest after Sangiovese, which has a large cultivated area, so you can see the good compatibility with the Italian climate and people.

"Montepulciano d'Abruzzo" is an Italian protected designation of origin whose origin is guaranteed by law. In the past, it was often sold outside the state as bulk wine, blended with wines from northern and central Italy, and widely distributed as table wines. However, in recent years, the quality has improved, and each characteristic has become apparent depending on the production area, and it has become known as the most popular wine in Italy.

Among them, "Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Colline Teramane" (Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Colline Teramane), which was certified in 2003, is a DOCG (designated origin wine with control guarantee) that has cleared the stricter regulations among the wines named after origin, Abruzzo. It is a representative wine of.

Montepulciano is characterized by its abundance of tannins and rich fruit. It has less acidity than Sangiovese, which is a typical Italian variety. Characteristic scents include sweet blackberries and spices.

There are various types such as fruity ones that can be drunk from an early stage, heavy ones suitable for long-term aging, and "Cerasuolo", which is a dark rosé wine.

In addition, all types of wine have high cost performance, and many consumers say, "If you want high cost performance with Italian wine, Montepulciano".

A charismatic figure admired as the king of "Montepulciano d'Abruzzo". We produce wines with high potential for long-term aging, and since our founding in 1964, we have been making careful and traditional wines by hand. Biodynamic farming and the use of a wide variety of wild yeasts give the wines a true expression of the terroir of the land.

In addition, while leaving the taste without filtering the wine, we have realized thorough wine making such as decanting each bottle by hand when shipping and removing the slag, and the taste that feels the maker's commitment. Is producing.

The Valentini family, one of Abruzzo's most aristocrats, produces Montepulciano, which is said to be the most difficult to obtain in Italy.

Only about 10% to 20% of the harvested grapes are released from our company, and we are particular about making wine only in the year when the grapes are good.

The white wine Trebbiano d'Abruzzo is also highly rated, and the elegant and noble wine is sometimes described as "the most noble Trebbiano in Italy." Cerasuolo is also produced, and is known for its great expression, which overturns the impression of pop rosé wine.

・ Mortadella di Campotosto

Salami with an elongated lard in the center. From light to rich wines, you can match any Montepulciano with almighty.

・ Maccheroni alla chitarra

Kitara is a special noodle with square corners, which is made by placing the dough on a special tool with steel strings stretched in a wooden box and rolling a cotton swab over it. The pasta is entwined with meat using three types of meat: beef, pork, and sheep. It goes well with the light Montepulciano.

・ Pecora alla cottora

Add herbs such as thyme, bay leaf and rosemary and spices such as chili peppers to the mutton and simmer in a large copper pan for 4 to 6 hours. The thick meat is juicy and goes well with the tannins of red wine. We recommend matching it with a heavier Montepulciano.

So far, I've explained what kind of food goes well, but I'm sure there are people who don't know which wine to buy.

For those who like it, here are some recommended Montepulciano wines!

This one by Italian organic winery is a food-friendly dark red wine with pure fruit and spicy elements.

Recommended for those who have never tried Montepulciano and who want to enjoy a higher-grade taste!

Gotiko / Chiu Chiu

Montepulciano is perfect for those who want to feel the comfortable weight of tannins while being fruity.

This wine is recommended for those who want high cost performance while enjoying the compatibility with food. The producers I introduced are rare, so the price is a little high, but there are many surprisingly delicious wines even in the 1000 yen range, so please try it.

<Reference> "2018 Sommelier Association Textbook" Japan Sommelier Association