Montepulciano is a red grape cultivated predominantly in central and southern Italy. It is often called Montepulciano d’Abruzzo because of that region’s extensive plantings. Despite the name, this varietal is in no way linked with Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. The Tuscan wine is named for the town, while that of the Abruzzi bears the name of the variety, which predominates in the grape mixture from which it is made. However, a small amount of Sangiovese, up to 15%, can be used in the Montepulciano d’Abruzzo. Some believe that the varietal was given its name by Tuscan wool traders who travelled to Abruzzi’s fine port cities where merchandise was then shipped throughout the Mediterranean. They say that the rich, robust wine of Abruzzi so reminded them of their prized Vino Nobile that they named this local varietal after the wine of Montepulciano in Tuscany.