Masciarelli : Villa Gemma Riserva 2018

Characteristics and tasting tips for the Montepulciano d'Abruzzo 2018 from Masciarelli

Tasting

Appearance

The wine displays a deep ruby red color with garnet nuances, reflecting its concentration and intensity.

Nose

The nose reveals a complex and elegant bouquet featuring aromas of ripe dark fruits, notably cherry and blackcurrant, accompanied by floral notes of violet. Spicy hints, cocoa and tobacco harmoniously complete this intense aromatic profile.

Palate

On the palate, the wine offers a medium to medium-full body with fine and elegant tannins. The balance between ripe fruit and refreshing acidity brings tension and vibrancy. The finish is persistent and harmonious, extending the fruity and spicy aromas.

Food and wine pairings

This Montepulciano d'Abruzzo 2018 pairs ideally with roasted or grilled red meats, sausages with peppers, as well as Asian-style duck dishes. It also pairs beautifully with full-flavored aged cheeses.

Serving and storage

This Montepulciano d'Abruzzo 2018 is best enjoyed in its youth to fully appreciate its fruit and freshness.

An elegant and balanced Montepulciano d'Abruzzo from Abruzzo

The estate

Founded in 1981 by Gianni Masciarelli, the Masciarelli house has established itself as one of the most respected producers in Italy. Since 2008, Marina Cvetic, Gianni's wife, has been leading the estate and carrying on the excellence initiated by her husband, who passed away in 2003. The estate now spans nearly 320 hectares across more than sixty plots throughout the four provinces of Abruzzo. In 2024, Masciarelli joined the prestigious Altagamma Foundation, cementing its status as an ambassador of Italian excellence. The estate is recognized for having revolutionized viticulture in Abruzzo by introducing innovative practices and demonstrating the exceptional qualitative potential of the region's indigenous grape varieties.

The vineyard

This Montepulciano d'Abruzzo comes from carefully selected plots located in the traditional production areas, notably in Loreto Aprutino and San Martino sulla Marrucina. The vines are cultivated between 200 and 450 meters above sea level on mineral-rich clay-limestone soils. The region benefits from a unique geographical setting, stretching just fifty kilometers between the snow-capped peaks of the Apennines and the Adriatic beaches, creating a remarkable diversity of microclimates. Yields are deliberately limited to 100–120 quintals per hectare to ensure optimal concentration and quality. The training systems used include the traditional Abruzzese pergola and Guyot.

The vintage

The 2018 vintage in Abruzzo was characterized by moderate temperatures and adequate rainfall during the growing season. The ripening phase in July benefited from warm conditions that promoted the development of healthy and balanced grapes. The harvest took place between late September and October, allowing the grapes to reach optimal physiological maturity.

Winemaking and aging

After harvest, the Montepulciano d'Abruzzo 2018 grapes are destemmed and gently crushed. Maceration on the skins lasts ten to fifteen days at controlled temperatures, allowing optimal extraction of aromatic compounds and tannins. Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks. The wine is then aged for twenty months in stainless steel tanks, promoting the development of complexity while preserving the purity of the fruit and the expression of the grape variety without any oak influence.

Grape variety

100% Montepulciano