Pronouncing Montepulciano is simpler than it looks. You say, "Mon-tah-pool-chah-no," and your wine merchant will know exactly what you want. This wine is simple and elegant and, unlike its name, not at all intimidating.
Instructions
1. Know the flavors. Smooth and mellow, Montepulciano has rich, dark berry flavors, and slight black pepper undertones with low tannins and acid levels.
2. Learn about Montepulciano D'Abruzzo. Remaining true to its natural-born character, Montepulciano D'Abruzzo is smooth and mellow with raspberry, ripe cherry and blackberry undertones.
3. Understand the meanings of DOCG and DOC. The DOCG indication means that the wine is produced in a premiere wine-growing region. All DOCG wines must be aged for a minimum of two years in oak or chestnut. If the wine is labeled Riserva, it must be aged for three more years. The DOC indication means the wine must be aged for one additional year.
4. Discover Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG. The Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, is more bold, intense and complex in flavor with higher tannin levels than its counterparts.
5. Find out about Rosso di Montepulciano DOC. While not as big and bold as the Vino Nobile, Rosso di Montepulciano is medium-bodied with more forward fruit flavors.
Tags: must aged, Vino Nobile, indication means, Montepulciano Abruzzo, Nobile Montepulciano, Rosso Montepulciano
