Montepulciano

A red, Italian Varietal that comes from Central-East Italy in the Abruzzo region (Not to be confused with the city of Montepulciano in Tuscany that makes Sangiovese based wines). A region with similar elevation and climate to what we have here in the Sierra Foothills.

There is very little Montepulciano planted in California but there are a few local producers, such as Oleta Vineyard, that have found success growing and making it here in Amador County. 

Montepulciano produces food friendly wines with high tannin content, medium to high acidity and abundant fruit character ranging from pomegranate and cherry to more blue fruit such as boysenberry. It does well in new oak which aids in softening the tannins and adds some nice complex spicy notes to go with the fruit and natural oregano/dried herb character of the grape.

The block Montepulciano is on the very Southern end of the property in one of the lower lying areas of the vineyard. Because of this it is actually one of the cooler sites on the property and ripening progresses very slowly (which can be a very good thing for quality). It is one of the very last varietals we harvest each season. It is not uncommon to harvest as late as the end of October or even early November. It is a vigorous varietal that typically needs extra attention in terms of thinning and crop balancing. Without proper attention the vines can produce quite large crops that will have little flavor, color or body. While tended to properly the wines have the potential to have significant pigment and tannin, making dark, structured and age-worthy wines. However, even the more structured versions are approachable when young and make a wonderful accompaniment to everything from grilled and roasted meats to Spaghetti.