Cowpunk Natural Montepulciano: Tasting Notes

WINE STYLE → Juicy, Crunchy New-Wave Red

This is Montepulciano with its boots off: vivid black cherry and plum, a savoury herbal edge and enough smoky spice to keep every sip interesting. Fresh acidity and fine tannins give the wine shape without making it heavy, while a subtle balsamic note adds an appetising Italianate twist. Serve it just below room temperature with pasta, pizza or a generous antipasto spread.

Highlights

• Certified organic, vegan suitable and made without added preservatives
• Crafted by Cowpunk winemaker Aaron Mercer using a hands-off natural-wine approach
• Black cherry, red plum, smoky spice and lively acidity
• Organically managed Canowindra vineyard with minimal inputs
• Wild-yeast fermented, unfined and unfiltered
• 14.2% ABV

Tasting Notes

Lifted black cherry and ripe plum lead the aroma, joined by crushed peppercorn, dried herbs and a subtle earthy, gamey note. The palate is medium-bodied and energetic, with crunchy red fruit, mulberry and smoky spice wrapped in fine, sappy tannins. Lively acidity stretches the flavours through a bright finish, where a gentle balsamic tang keeps the wine savoury and wonderfully food-friendly.

Winemaking

The Montepulciano grapes were picked and destemmed before fermentation with wild yeast. The wine remained on skins for 10 days, building colour, texture and fine tannin before pressing. It was then bottled early without additions or added preservatives. Unfined and unfiltered, this is deliberately hands-off winemaking designed to preserve the fruit’s vibrancy, natural acidity and savoury personality.

Vineyard & Vintage

The fruit came from a small, organically managed vineyard at Canowindra, north of Cowra on the Belubula River. Minimal vineyard inputs and a sustainable approach underpin the Cowpunk style. The 2022 La Niña season delivered generous winter rain followed by a mild spring and summer. Cooler harvest conditions extended ripening, helping the grapes develop balanced flavour, tannin and fresh natural acidity. The front label records a picking date of 23 March 2022.

Why We Love It

It captures the generous fruit and savoury structure of Montepulciano without becoming dense or overly polished. There is plenty of dark cherry and plum, but the bright acidity, peppery detail and balsamic edge make it especially lively at the table. The reusable swing-top bottle is distinctive and practical, while the organic, vegan and no-added-preservative credentials suit drinkers looking for characterful wine made with a lighter touch.

Food Pairing

Fresh acidity and savoury tannins make this a natural partner for tomato, mushrooms, grilled meats and aromatic herbs. Try matching this wine with →

• Eggplant parmigiana with tomato, basil and bubbling cheese — Find a Recipe
• Pork and fennel sausages with roasted capsicum — Find a Recipe
• Mushroom ragù with pappardelle or soft polenta — Find a Recipe

Mood or occasion to match this wine…

Bring it to a relaxed pasta night, a long lunch or an evening built around good pizza and better conversation. It has enough personality for natural-wine devotees, yet its clean fruit and balance make it easy to share with the whole table.

Cellaring

This 2022 release is ready to enjoy now, while its cherry fruit, savoury spice and acidity remain vivid. Store the bottle somewhere cool and dark, then give it 15–20 minutes in a decanter or roomy glass before serving. Once opened, reseal and refrigerate, and enjoy within one to two days for the freshest expression.

Producer

Cowpunk is a small-batch natural-wine label produced by Fourth Wave Wine, with Aaron Mercer crafting wines from single vineyard sites and fruit grown by long-term farming partners. This Montepulciano comes from Canowindra in the NSW Central Ranges, where its vineyard is managed organically with minimal inputs and a sustainable focus. The Cowpunk philosophy favours wild fermentation, restrained handling and early bottling rather than heavy additions or cosmetic winemaking. Its reusable swing-top bottles are another distinctive detail, matching the brand’s practical approach to lower-impact packaging while keeping the wines vibrant, textural and approachable.

Related Wines To Try →

Explore another expression of Montepulciano or continue through Cowpunk’s naturally made range.

• Smooth, preservative-free Montepulciano with cherry and chocolate — Organic Hill Preservative Free Montepulciano
• Savoury biodynamic Montepulciano with firmer structure — Tscharke The Master Montepulciano
• Dry, cloudy Cowpunk bubbles with apple and yeasty complexity — Cowpunk Natural Pet Nat

FAQ

What does Cowpunk Natural Montepulciano taste like?

Expect black cherry, plum, mulberry and red fruit, with peppercorn, smoky spice and a subtle herbal-earthy note. Fine tannins and lively acidity lead to a bright, savoury finish with a gentle balsamic twist.

Is it dry, and how much body and tannin does it have?

It is a dry, medium-bodied red with medium-level, fine-grained tannins. The acidity is lively and refreshing, keeping the ripe fruit energetic rather than heavy.

What temperature and glassware suit this wine?

Serve it at around 15–17°C, slightly cooler than normal room temperature. A medium-to-large red wine glass gives the cherry, plum and peppery aromas enough space to open.

Should Cowpunk Natural Montepulciano 2022 be decanted?

A short 15–20 minute decant is worthwhile, particularly if the bottle has been stored somewhere cool. It helps the savoury aromas emerge and softens the wine’s sappy tannin without losing freshness.

Does this wine contain added preservatives or sulphites?

It is made without additions or added preservatives and is part of our No Added Preservative selection. Fermentation can naturally create a small amount of sulphites even when none are added during winemaking.

Is this Montepulciano organic and vegan friendly?

Yes. It is certified organic and vegan suitable, and it was bottled unfined and unfiltered. The vineyard is managed organically with minimal inputs.

What food pairs best with it?

Tomato-based pasta, pizza, pork and fennel sausages, grilled lamb and antipasti are excellent matches. For a vegetarian option, choose eggplant parmigiana, mushroom ragù or charred vegetables with herbs.

Can this 2022 wine be cellared?

It is drinking well now and is best approached for its current fruit, spice and savoury freshness. Keep it in cool, stable conditions and enjoy it soon rather than holding it for extended ageing.

Who will love this wine?

It will appeal to natural-wine drinkers who still want a clean, balanced red, as well as anyone exploring alternative Italian varieties. If you enjoy fresh Sangiovese, savoury Nero d’Avola or medium-bodied Shiraz with less oak, this is a smart next bottle.

(SKU: CP_MON_CV)