Montepulciano is the primary grape in Montepulcino d’Abruzzo which is often confused with Vino Nobile Montepulciano which is a town using 100% Sangiovese. However, the Montepulciano grape is from the Abruzzo region.  Although Montepulciano ripens late, it has high yields which creates easy drinking wines with medium acidity, medium alcohol and medium-low tannins.  It does however have dark pigments that require a little extended maceration to bring out their purple beauty.  Montepulciano has flavors of boysenberry, red plum, earth and oregano.