Australian Montepulciano
Montepulciano is a red grape variety hailing from Italy, particularly from the heartland regions of Abruzzo and Marche. It’s known for bold, deeply hued wines packed with juicy fruit flavours and velvety yet deep tannins.
Montepulciano has really taken off in Australia over the past decade, perhaps due to its suitability to our climate, our al fresco dining culture, and a drinking trend that’s seen the rise in popularity of Euro-style wines.
What is Montepulciano wine?
Dark, intense, rich and brooding, Montepulciano is an incredibly food-friendly red wine that brings serious flavour to the table. Packed with dark berries, hints of spice, and a smooth, velvety finish, it’s the kind of wine made for hearty meals and long evenings. Typically sitting around 12.5–14.5% alcohol, it’s bold without being over the top, striking a perfect balance between power and drinkability.
From how to pronounce Montepulciano to its origins, discover everything you need to know about this bold red wine.
What type of wine is Montepulciano?
As Montepulciano is still an emerging variety in Australia, we’re often asked, “What kind of wine is Montepulciano?” Montepulciano wines tend to be rich and full-bodied, with flavours of dark fruits complemented by hints of herbs, spices, and a touch of earthiness. They typically feature a firm structure with well-integrated tannins, a velvety texture, and a long, satisfying finish.
Is Montepulciano Red or White?
Montepulciano is a red wine known for its deep colour, bold flavours, and juicy tannins. The Montepulciano grape is also used to make flavoursome Rosé.
What is Montepulciano d'abruzzo?
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo is a classic, well-rounded, plum-scented Italian red made from Montepulciano grapes grown in the Abruzzo region on Italy's Adriatic coast. The wine is often medium to full-bodied, with soft tannins and a slightly rustic character. It's a crowd-pleaser that pairs well with hearty Italian dishes like pasta and pizza.
What is the difference between Montepulciano vs Shiraz?
While Shiraz and Montepulciano share similarities in weight, structure and flavours, they also have distinct differences. Montepulciano tends to be more earthy and spicy, while Shiraz often displays peppery notes and more pronounced fruitiness.
What does Australian Montepulciano taste like?
Australian Montepulciano is bold and fruit-driven, with dark cherry, plum, and blackberry flavours. It’s smooth with balanced tannins and moderate acidity, offering earthy, spicy notes and hints of dried herbs. Depending on the region and winemaking style, it can range from juicy and vibrant to more structured and savoury.
Is Montepulciano sweet or dry?
Montepulciano is typically a dry red wine. While the Montepulciano grape is naturally high in sugar and produces fruity flavours, fermentation converts that sugar into alcohol, leaving little to no residual sugar – resulting in a dry finish.
Is Montepulciano similar to Shiraz?
Dark, rich, and intense, Montepulciano captivates with its generous fruit flavours of red plum, sour cherry, and boysenberry, balanced by moderate acidity. If you love Australian Shiraz, you'll likely enjoy Montepulciano too! However, while they share similarities, Montepulciano typically has earthy and spicy flavours, whereas Shiraz is known for its peppery, fruit-forward profile.
Is Montepulciano similar to Pinot Noir?
Montepulciano and Pinot Noir are quite different. Montepulciano is fuller-bodied, richer, and more intense, with dark fruit and earthy spice. Pinot Noir is lighter and more delicate with red berry flavours and floral notes. If Pinot Noir is finesse, Montepulciano is power.
What is the difference between Montepulciano vs Chianti?
You might have often wondered if Montepulciano is similar to Chianti, another popular Italian red. While both hail from Italy, they differ in grape variety and regional style. Montepulciano wines are bold and robust, with dark fruit flavours and firm tannins, and are medium to full-bodied wines. On the other hand, Chianti is primarily made from Sangiovese grapes, known for bright cherry notes, lively acidity, and a lighter, more elegant profile. Though they share Italian roots, Montepulciano is typically richer and more powerful, while Chianti tends to be fresher, lighter and more savoury.
Best Montepulciano Australia
Australian Montepulciano is thriving, with top producers putting their own spin on this bold Italian red. Ricca Terra in the Riverland is one such producer leading the charge with a fresh, vibrant style perfect for early drinking, while Woodstock in McLaren Vale offers a richer, more structured take. In the Hunter Valley, De Iuliis delivers a beautifully balanced version with plush fruit and earthy depth.
These producers and many emerging ones are showing just how well Montepulciano can thrive on Australian soil, and Aussie drinkers are all the better for it.
What Region in Australia makes the best Montepulciano?
Montepulciano has flourished across Australia’s diverse climates, likely due to its late-ripening nature and remarkable resilience. Much like Shiraz, it thrives in hot and cold regions, making it a versatile choice for winemakers. Its hardiness and disease resistance have helped it carve out a niche in some of Australia’s most famous wine regions. Some of the most celebrated expressions in Australia come from:
McLaren Vale Montepulciano
Known for its Mediterranean-style climate, McLaren Vale produces Montepulciano with a unique depth of flavour. The region’s balance of warm days and cooling coastal breezes allows the grape to ripen beautifully, delivering wines with dark, ripe fruit, a touch of spice, and a silky structure.
Barossa Valley Montepulciano
The warm climate of Barossa Valley lends itself perfectly to Montepulciano, producing full-bodied wines with rich, dark fruit flavours. Montepulciano thrives in the Barossa Valley region, offering intense, concentrated fruit alongside a hint of spice and a smooth, velvety finish. It's a style that appeals to those who enjoy bold, robust reds.
Adelaide Hills Montepulciano
The cool climate of the Adelaide Hills enhances Montepulciano’s aromatic qualities, resulting in crisp and structured wines. The region’s high altitude brings out the variety’s peppery spice and vibrant fruit while maintaining a fine balance and complexity that make Montepulciano perfect for pairing with a variety of dishes.
Riverland Montepulciano
The Riverland's hot, dry climate allows Montepulciano to ripen to its fullest, producing wines that are rich, ripe, and full of character. The region’s long sunlight hours and extended growing season foster the development of bold, concentrated fruit flavours, with dark berries and plums often taking the spotlight.
Do you chill Montepulciano wine?
While Montepulciano is typically enjoyed at room temperature, slightly chilling can enhance its flavours, especially if you prefer a fresher, more vibrant profile. For a more casual or warm-weather setting, you can chill it for about 15-20 minutes in the fridge before serving.
Does Montepulciano age well?
Montepulciano can age well, especially higher-quality wines with good structure, acidity, and tannins. As it ages, it develops more complexity, with fruit flavours mellowing and earthy, savoury, or spicy flavours emerging.
Generally, Montepulciano can be cellared for up to 5 years, though premium examples may last longer. However, if you prefer a more fruit-forward style, it's best enjoyed in its early years.
Best food pairings for Montepulciano?
Natural food pairings with Montepulciano include rich, slow-cooked dishes like ragu, pasta, pizza, and barbequed meats. Non-meat eaters can enjoy it with roasted vegetables or anything mushroom- or tomato-based. Perhaps surprisingly, it also pairs well with oily fish like tuna and salmon.
If you're after inspiration, try Montepulciano with Gorgonzola, fig and pancetta pizza, or dive into recipes like Guy Grossi’s Midnight Spaghetti or his Pappardelle with Spiced Veal Ragu.
How to buy Montepulciano from Wine Selectors?
Want the best Australian Montepulciano delivered straight to your door? With Wine Selectors, you can discover the country’s top Montepulciano from the comfort of your home. Order a Montepulciano dozen and save 15%, or sign up for a Customised Subscription to enjoy more handpicked styles tailored to your taste.