After Sangiovese and Nebbiolo, Montepulciano might be Italy's most famous red grape. Wines made from this varietal are usually fairly rustic, showing flavors of dried fruits, herbs, earth, and tobacco. These are excellent food wines as we head towards autumn's cuisine. Corte Fiore Montepulciano is unique in that it is made in the Appassimento style, which involves partially drying grapes on the vine. Italy's great Amarone wine is made in a similar fashion. The resulting wine shows great concentration, a juicy richness, and smoothness that tempers Montepulciano's normal taste profile.