Beyond Barolo: The quiet elegance of Montepulciano from Italy’s Adriatic Coast
Montepulciano: A Grape with Grit
In the world of Italian wine, some names sparkle in the limelight - Barolo, Brunello, Chianti. But tucked away along the Adriatic coast, among the sun-dappled hills of the Marche region, lies a bold, resilient grape that tells a story of quiet strength and coastal elegance: Montepulciano. At Tenuta Lanari, this humble varietal becomes something extraordinary.
Montepulciano in the Marche: A Coastal Evolution
Montepulciano is the second most widely planted red grape in Italy, after Sangiovese. While it has built a reputation in Abruzzo, Marche has emerged as one of its most expressive terroirs. Here, in the windswept Monte Conero area, Montepulciano finds a unique voice - structured, elegant, and resonant with the sea.
This late-ripening grape has thick skins and produces deeply colored, full-bodied wines. The Mediterranean climate of Marche, with its coastal breezes and elevated vineyards, enhances the grape’s natural acidity and brings out a vivid array of flavors. Expect moderate tannins, medium to high acidity, and a texture that is smooth, approachable, and unmistakably Italian.
The Terroir of Monte Conero
Tenuta Lanari's vineyards are nestled within the Monte Conero Natural Park, where clay-rich soils and gentle sea breezes create an ideal cradle for Montepulciano grapes. Unlike its more famous relatives, Montepulciano here matures slowly under the coastal sun, kissed by salty air and cradled by cooling winds. The result? Grapes that balance robust structure with unexpected finesse.
“Our Montepulciano carries the sea in its soul, it has power, but also elegance. Just like the landscape.”
A Winemaker's touch
Luca and his wife Paola know that great wine begins in the vineyard. At Tenuta Lanari, they hand-harvest the grapes in multiple passes, selecting only the ripest clusters. In the cellar, patient aging in stainless steel and oak brings forward a balance of fruit purity and savory depth - a signature of the Lanari style.
Their Rosso Conero Classico DOC is a tribute to Montepulciano: deep ruby red with aromas of wild cherry, dried herbs, and a touch of spice. It’s a wine that lingers, not just on the palate but in memory.
More than a grape: A cultural emblem
For Luca, Montepulciano is more than a grape; it's part of his cultural DNA. "This grape represents our land’s toughness," he explains. "Marche isn’t always an easy place to live. But it rewards those who stay, who work the land with respect."
A taste of authentic Italy
In a marketplace crowded with mass production, Montepulciano from Tenuta Lanari offers a rare experience: authenticity. It’s wine crafted by real people, with hands in the soil and hearts in the craft. It’s a reminder that the best stories often come from the quietest corners.
Curious to taste the story in every sip?
Explore our carefully selected Montepulciano wines and bring the Adriatic coast to your table.