Montepulciano. Cherry. Chocolate. Liquorice.

On our menu, the Montepulciano is described in three words. Cherry. Chocolate. Liquorice. Those flavours capture exactly why this wine has become our traditional meat wine at Nectar. It is one of the fuller reds on the list, rich and comforting without feeling heavy, and a bottle people often return to once they discover it.

For me, this wine is deeply personal.

A Taste That Takes Me Back to Italy

Every year growing up, we travelled through Italy on family holidays. On the long drives home, my parents would insist on stopping at wineries. As kids it felt endless. Rows of tall trees along quiet countryside roads, small vineyards and incredibly friendly people pouring wine after wine while conversations stretched longer than planned.

At the time, I didn’t understand the appeal. Today, opening a bottle of Montepulciano brings those memories back instantly.

Evenings were slow and warm. Plates of spaghetti, wild boar dishes and simple food that never needed to impress. Some years we struggled to fit our luggage into the car because my parents had bought so much wine to bring home. Now I understand exactly why.

Old World Wine and What That Means

Montepulciano is a classic example of an Old World wine. Old World refers to traditional European wine regions like Italy, France and Spain, where winemaking is shaped by history, geography and a focus on balance rather than power.

Compared to many New World wines, Old World styles often feel more structured and food focused. They tend to highlight acidity, earthy notes and elegance over bold fruit or heavy alcohol.

That is exactly what I love about this Montepulciano. Even though it feels full, it never overwhelms. The cherry notes bring freshness, the chocolate adds warmth and the liquorice gives it that unmistakable Italian character. It is expressive but still grounded.

Why Montepulciano Fits Nectar

At Nectar, this wine naturally became the traditional meat wine, but it works across far more than just one dish. Italian wines are built for the table, and this one moves comfortably between flavours without dominating them.

If you have read my thoughts on pairing wine with food, you will know I often suggest choosing a wine that supports the feeling of the table rather than matching one single ingredient. Montepulciano does exactly that. It sits in the background in the best possible way, allowing conversation and food to take centre stage.

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A Personal Favourite

Some wines are technical. Others carry emotion. This one does both.

It reminds me of long Italian evenings, friendly wineries and meals that never felt rushed. Warm, generous and endlessly enjoyable, it has become one of the bottles I reach for most often at Nectar.

Sometimes a wine does more than complement the food. It tells a story.