Montepulciano is a versatile grape, capable of light, floral wines or dark, savoury beasts. This tends towards the latter, but stays fresh and edgy. A mix of black plum, forest berries and cooked spices dominate, with bay leaves and a touch of coffee bean. Deep and long, this is great cool-weather drinking.

Origin: Central Italy, either Tuscany or Abruzzo. Mainly Grown In: Italy leads the way, with small amounts found in the USA and Australia. Key Facts: Confusingly sharing a name with a Tuscan town to which it has no relation, Montepulciano is the second most planted indigenous Italian red variety, behind Sangiovese. Found up and down the length of the country, it is successful in central Italy - with northern versions a little hard and green - due to Montepulciano's late-ripening tendencies. Often used for the production of rosé, Montepulciano has found happy homes in South Australia and California in recent decades, with smooth, medium bodied examples being produced. Fun Fact: The town of Montepulciano in Tuscany and the grape have nothing in common. Another example of the world of wine out to confuse us! Don't worry, we've got your back. Montepulciano is a versatile grape, capable of light, floral wines or dark, savoury beasts. This trends towards the latter, but stays fresh and edgy. A mix of black plum, forest berries and cooked spices dominate, with bay leaves and a touch of coffee bean. Deep and long, this is great cool-weather drinking.