“Villa Gemma” Montepulciano d’Abruzzo Riserva DOC 2019 · 6 bottles in OWC

Masciarelli | Abruzzo
Masciarelli Tenute Agricole S.r.l. | Via Gamberale 1 | IT 66010 Chieti

12103019 · 4,5 l · 80,89 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shipping5 units available

In 1981, Gianni Masciarelli founded his winery in San Martino sulla Marrucina. Today, his daughter Miriam Lee Masciarelli continues the vinification and ageing of the flagship wine with passion and expertise – a continuity that lends this wine its special dignity. The estate itself describes this Montepulciano as majestic: an original, never predictable interpretation of Abruzzo's great indigenous grape variety, born of continuous research and a spirit of experimentation, both in the vineyard and in the cellar, and from a long study of Abruzzo's viticultural techniques and terroir. This wine has played a key role in rightfully establishing Montepulciano on the world map of viticulture.

The grapes come from the Cru di Cave, situated at 400 metres above sea level on calcareous soil, in the hills between the Maiella massif and the Adriatic Sea, where temperature fluctuations and constant breezes ensure healthy, extract-rich grapes. Five hectares of densely planted Guyot-trained vines, around thirty years old – the exceptionally high planting density enables a limited production of great concentration and quality. One hundred% Montepulciano, harvested by hand into crates from the second half of October. Following careful selection of the grapes, there is a long maceration period, followed by temperature-controlled fermentation in stainless steel tanks, then malolactic fermentation. The wine is then aged for 24 months in new French oak barriques, followed by further ageing in the bottle before release.

A deep ruby red with garnet and violet highlights. An intense bouquet of sour cherry, ripe plum and blackberry, accompanied by violet, liquorice, cocoa, tobacco, sweet spices and a hint of Damask rose, underpinned by black tea and mineral notes. Structured and full-bodied on the palate, with dense yet well-integrated tannins, balanced acidity and a long finish that lingers with balsamic notes and dark fruit. SUPERIORE.DE

"A deep, dark, impenetrable ruby red. Elegant and brooding on the nose, with notes of plum, cherry, black pepper and tobacco, as well as earthy undertones. Extremely well-balanced on the palate, with a refined tannin structure, perfectly integrated acidity and a long finish." Falstaff

"The nose is both smoky and sweet, with aromas of grilled meat, cola, wild cherry and red plum. The palate presents a similar picture: initially, you sense the warmth of zesty, crisp fruit and citrus, before notes of liquorice and damp earth emerge, cooling the finish slightly." Wine Enthusiast

"This well-balanced red wine captivates with a fragrant bouquet featuring notes of blackberry bush, sweet smoke, liquorice root and espresso, which highlight the core of ripe blackberries, boysenberries and cassis. Fresh and concentrated, with fine-grained tannins that lend it a clearly defined structure without making it seem too heavy. Long and smooth on the finish, with mineral and spicy notes." Wine Spectator

"Aromas of cloves, subtle notes of blackcurrants, earth and oak bark. On the palate, it is smooth and full-bodied, with firm but well-integrated tannins and a refreshing, lively acidity. Slightly bitter on the finish. Suitable for drinking now or for ageing." James Suckling

"A deep, austere and elegant wine in which the concentration of fruit is accompanied by tasty tannins towards a lengthy finish." Decanter