Wine Under $12: Montepulciano

Try earthy, peppery Montepulciano with roasted meats and hearty pasta dishes.

Caldora Montepulciano d’Abruzzo (Italy; $11)

If you sometimes find inexpensive Italian reds too lean and tart for your tastes, consider this generously fruity pick. Like many wines made from the Montepulciano grape, Caldora Montepulciano d’Abruzzo , a round, medium-bodied bottle, is rife with a rich garnet color and generous dark fruits.

Yet make no mistake: This isn’t just another soft and cloying, plummy red wine. There’s enough by way of earthiness and a dashing peppery-spice appeal—followed up by a pleasing hint of acidity—to let you know you’re drinking something from Italy.

Below you’ll find a collection of recipes that will pair wonderfully with the wine.

Relish wine and cocktails columnist Wini Moranville guides you to the best wine and spirits for the money. She is the author of The Bonne Femme Cookbook, Simple, Splendid Food That French Women Cook Every Day.