Know about Montepulciano Wines
What
is Montepulciano?
Montepulciano grape has its origins in Tuscany, Italy. Its origins should not be confused with the village by the same name as Montepulciano village does not feature any vineyards of this grape variety.
Two Australian Montepulciano wines – Mr Riggs and Bird in Hand have also won Gold medals at International Wine Competition in London.
It is an Italian red wine grape variety. After Sangiovese, it is the second most
planted grape variety in Italy.
Montepulciano grape has its origins in Tuscany, Italy. Its origins should not be confused with the village by the same name as Montepulciano village does not feature any vineyards of this grape variety.
Where
is it grown?
It is grown in central and southern Italy
in the regions of Abruzzo, Marche, Latium, Molise, Umbria regions. It is hardly
grown in North Italy and the reason being that the grapes tend to ripen late
and cannot be harvested early as they are ‘excessively green’ during that time.
Montepulciano Wines Australia
Montepulciano grape is beginning to find prominence
in various wine regions of Australia, particularly warmer regions, such
as Riverland, Adelaide Hills, Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale and many
wineries have started producing wines of this grape varietal. Few of the
popular names are Banrock Station, Bird in Hand, Mr Riggs Wine Company,
Taylors etc.
Key
characteristics about the grape?
Montepulciano grape variety is a late bloomer.
It takes more time to ripen that other grape varieties and with proper
viticulture in place tends to reward the producer with high yields. It is
resistant to diseases and can withstand warm and cool climatic conditions.
Common
Flavours of Montepulciano Wines?
Red Plum, Oregano, Sour Cherry, Boysenberry
and Tar are some of the commonly found flavours in these wines.
Cellaring
Potential of Montepulciano wine?
Montepulciano wines have a cellaring period
of up to 5 years.
Serving
Temperature of Montepulciano?
For young Montepulciano wines (2-3 years)
containing fruit flavors, the ideal temperature to serve is 16 - 17 degree
Celsius whereas the appropriate temperature to serve older wines can vary
between 18 – 20 degree Celsius.
Montepulciano
Food Pairing?
Montepulciano is a delight for meat lovers
as it cuts the meatiest of meats such as beef brisket. It tastes well with
cheese such as baked macaroni and cheese, Parmesan and taste equally good with stuffed
baked potato and roasted mushrooms.
Two Australian Montepulciano wines – Mr Riggs and Bird in Hand have also won Gold medals at International Wine Competition in London.
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