The first record of the Montepulciano grape was back in 1793, but it took until the turn of the 21st century for the grape, and its wine, to become widely drunk and exported. Today, Montepulciano is among the most popular grapes in Italian red wine in terms of volume, second only to Sangiovese. Not to be confused with Vino Nobile di Montepulciano which is based on Sangiovese from Montepulciano, Montepulciano wines are pleasantly rustic, with bold colour, soft flavour, moderate acidity and mild tannins.