Montepulciano

Montepulciano (not to be confused with the Tuscan hill town of the same name, or the Sangiovese-based wine made there) is a thick-skinned central and southern Italian red grape that produces deeply colored, plummy, full-bodied wines. Its tannins — the drying grip from grape skins — are notably softer and riper than those of most other Italian reds, making it approachable and food-friendly.

Also known as Cordisco, Morellone, Uva Abruzzese.