Skip to Content
Reviews

Vigneti del Sole Is the Best Montepulciano d’Abruzzo Under $12

Our Editor-in-Chief, after exhaustive research, has found his favorite Montepulciano d'Abruzzo for everyday enjoyment.

Vigneti del Sole label

One of my favorite things about being in Italy is the affordability of quality products for consumption. This reality actually drives the narrative of my novel Cucina Tipica: An Italian Adventure, as the protagonist, upon realizing eating/drinking well in Italy is not a privilege but a right, decides to never leave.

Unfortunately for most of us not in the fictional world, we have to leave Italy for America, where Italian products aren't as accessible price wise. I find this particularly true when it comes to wine. So, as an everyday wine drinker, I am constantly on the search for high-quality wines to enjoy with meals that don't fall under the "special occasion" umbrella.

Vigneti del Sole wine bottle

When it comes to red wines, the undisputed (in my mind) variety that combines affordability with flavor is Montepulciano d'Abruzzo. This venerable table wine, made mostly but not exclusively in its namesake region, has gone through a transformation similar to that of Chianti, with an increased attention to quality resulting in an increased (often exaggerated) price point. But unlike Chianti, there are more than a few quality bargains out there to be found of Montepulciano d'Abruzzo.

After what I consider to be exhaustive research, that included many excellent wines under $12, I've come to the conclusion that the best bang for the buck comes in the bottles of Vigneti del Sole at a price of $10.99.

This DOC certified varietal, 85% Montepulciano / 15% Sangiovese, is actually produced in the Veneto by a family-owned operation that has been making wines since 1925. Vigneti del Sole is distributed widely in the US by Skurnik Wines. Pretty much every wine shop I go into around New York City has the 750ml bottle and the magnum (the latter at an even better price point of $15.99 for the equivalent of two bottles).

The easy to drink wine is rich in color and flavor with pronounced notes of cherry up front complimented by a smooth finish. It pairs well with food that is red wine friendly, though it can be enjoyed on its own before or after a meal.

Vigneti del Sole is Appetito-approved!

Appetito may earn commissions from products featured in links to this story.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Appetito

Ten Black Truffle Tips from Chef Mazzella at Borgo dei Conti Resort

An acclaimed chef from an Umbrian resort shares ten tips for using the region's prized product of black truffles.

August 4, 2025

Italian Festivals Across America 2025: Coast to Coast Celebrations

Italian festivals across the U.S. return from August to October 2025, blending food, tradition, and community in cities from New York to San Francisco.

August 4, 2025

How to Make NOLET’s Strawberry Negroni Spritz

NOLET Gin has shared an ideal summer spritz recipe that includes strawberry infusion and aspects of the classic negroni.

August 1, 2025

The Italopunk Way to Make Panzanella con Mango e Lime

In her intended-to-shock cookbook, Italopunk, Vanja van der Leeden offers this version of the classic panzanella salad.

July 31, 2025

Italopunk Is a Blasphemous Cookbook Out to Shock Your Nonna

An Italophile writes a blasphemous cookbook with the intention of unshackling Italians from culinary dogma.

July 31, 2025
See all posts