Conte di Lucca Montepulciano d'Abruzzo DOC 2023

If you've never tried Montepulciano from Abruzzo, think of it as Italy's answer to a generous, fruit-driven Shiraz, but with more freshness, softer tannins and a distinctly Mediterranean character.

The Montepulciano grape is one of Italy's most important red varieties and has been grown in Abruzzo for centuries. Despite sharing its name with the Tuscan town of Montepulciano, the grape itself is native to central Italy and reaches its finest expression in the hills of Abruzzo, between the Adriatic Sea and the Apennine Mountains.

Conte di Lucca is dedicated to showcasing the traditional wines of Abruzzo. The winery works with vineyards influenced by warm sunny days, cooling sea breezes from the Adriatic and fresh mountain air from the nearby peaks. This unique climate allows the grapes to ripen fully while maintaining natural acidity, creating wines that are rich yet beautifully balanced.

The 2023 vintage is produced from carefully selected Montepulciano grapes harvested at optimal ripeness. Following fermentation, the wine is matured to soften the tannins and develop complexity while preserving the vibrant fruit that makes Montepulciano so enjoyable. The result is a wine that is approachable in its youth but has enough structure to reward a few years in the cellar.

In the glass, expect aromas of black cherries, ripe plums, blackberry compote and subtle hints of sweet spice, tobacco leaf and dried herbs. The palate is generous and smooth, with dark fruit flavours, velvety tannins and a long savoury finish.

For Australian wine drinkers, this is a style that will feel familiar to lovers of:

Barossa Valley Shiraz (but with less alcohol and less oak)

McLaren Vale Shiraz (with softer tannins and more freshness)

Heathcote Sangiovese (with richer fruit and more body)

Langhorne Creek Cabernet blends (with softer structure and juicier fruit)

What makes Montepulciano particularly appealing is its versatility at the table. Unlike many powerful Australian reds, it remains fresh and food-friendly, making it a perfect match for slow-cooked meats, wood-fired steaks, rich pasta dishes and aged cheeses.

This producer holds a special place in our hearts at Alessa Vino. The Conte di Lucca team joined us at Carne & Cucina for an exclusive wine dinner, sharing the story of their winery, their region and the traditions that continue to shape every bottle they produce.