MONTEPULCIANO – grape or place?
Two of my favorite wine values of Italy cause some confusion; I will attempt to clear this up.Â
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
Montelpulciano in this example is the name of the grape from the region of Abruzzo.  The Abruzzo region is on the east-central coast of Italy. The wine has got a flavor profile that is similar to a Tuscan wine but a little less tannin and lean and electric acidity structure.  Can be very fruity, but not sweet, typically has no to low oak and should be drank very young.  I really like the examples I see of this wine around $10-12 a bottle.  Valle Reale was a nice find from Wine Exchange – making my best values of 2008 list!  Do not try to “brand shop†this wine, not many major brands.  I recommend trusting your local wine shops selection and seek the 2007 example of this wine.
Vino Nobile di Montelpulciano
The Noble Wine of Montelpulciano – this has nothing to do with the Abruzzo wine.  This wine is made in Montelpulciano, in Tuscany. Tuscany is on the West Coast of Italy.  The grape called Prugnolo Gentile (70% minimum) (a Sangiovese relative, local clone) and can have some Canaiolo Nero and Mammolo grapes in the wine.  This wine sees some time in wood (typically up to two years).This wine can be compared to a hillside version of Chianti.  I little more powerful, a little less finesse.  In 2007, the best of the extremes are showcased and really represents one of the best wines values today.  I paid about $20 for the Avignonesi, but would have no problem recommending the entire category for 2007.  (2005 and 2006 were great also, but 2007 is a homerun).
