I love my Italian heritage but why are the names of Italian wines so confusing? Are Italians confused after drinking wine for centuries?!?!

One example is the name Montepulciano (pronounced monti pulchi ahno). Montepulciano d’Abruzzo (literal translation Montepulciano of Abruzzo) is a wine produced in the Abruzzo, Italy region from Montepulciano grapes. Montepulciano wine is often confused with the town of Montepulciano in Tuscany (not in the Abruzzo region).

So, the answer to the opening question is that Montepulciano is a town and a grape and a wine!

Platinum ‘Sogno’ Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, Italy 2011

ALC 13%  $14. Montepulciano is a red wine grape variety grown in central Italy, most notably the Abruzzo region.

Montepulciano is Italy’s second most planted red wine variety, behind Sangiovese and ahead of Barbera.

‘Sogno’ has soft, fruity flavors with strong deep colors and gentle tannins characteristic of Montepulciano wines. Nice finish and matches well with many foods.