Marina Cvetić

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo Riserva 2019

Abruzzo

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The Montepulciano Marina Cvetic represents an intense and remarkable expression of one of the historical vines of Abruzzo. The 100% Montepulciano comes from eight of the estate’s top parcels and truly represents the summit of what Montepulciano can achieve. Villa Gemma may be the most famous Montepulciano produced by Masciarelli, the only Italian wine to win the coveted Tre Bicchieri award 14 times (and counting), but many view the Marina Cvetic Montepucliano as its equal in quality, differing only in style, and often benefiting from the fact it is blended from parcels crossing a range of altitudes and soils.

VINEYARD

In a span of only 30 miles between the Apennine Mountains and the Adriatic Sea, the 60 vineyards owned by the Masciarelli estate are spread across all four provinces of Abruzzo and farmed sustainably. The 8 specific vineyards that bear fruit for this wine range in altitude from 480 to 1,200 feet with soils of calcareous clay and lime. In these vineyards, we find not only the traditional Abruzzo pergola vine training, but also Simple Guyot and Spur Cordon training that Gianni Masciarelli pioneered in the region as well.

WINEMAKING

This wine exemplifies Masciarelli’s break with historical, commercially minded wines of the region. After maceration and fermentation in stainless steel, the wine is transferred to French barriques for a further 12-18 months of aging before bottling. The resulting silky texture and round tannins fall into harmony with the gorgeously ripe fruit.

VINTAGE

A cold, rainy April and May brought frost, blind buds, and difficult fruit set across the 2019 season, reducing both bunch numbers and berry weight. Two mid-July floods added further disruption, though the growing season recovered well in late summer. Early varieties were picked slightly ahead of schedule, while unsettled weather in early September brought Trebbiano and Montepulciano back in line. The challenging fruit set ultimately proved a qualitative advantage, concentrating flavors across all varieties despite a significant reduction in overall yield.

TASTING NOTE

Deep and dark with lifted seductive aromas of red fruits and spice, powerful ripe red and black fruits wrapped in a structured but lush, elegant frame. Tremendous length and complexity.

FOOD PAIRING

Duck breast with cherry reduction, ribeye roast

Color

Red

Blend %

100% Montepulciano

Appellation

Abruzzo

Alcohol

14.5%

Suggested Retail Price

$37.99

Reviews

Vinous - September 5, 2023

Wine Spectator - July 31, 2024 Shows a rich note of loamy earth on the nose that's more subtle on the palate, underscoring flavors of black plum reduction, cured tobacco, graphite and fragrant hints of mocha and black licorice. Fresh and harmonious, with light, sinewy tannins firming the finish. Drink now through 2029.

Wine Enthusiast - March 6, 2024 "The nose is gamy and herbal, yet also subtly astringent, like a lamb steak garnished with herbs and accompanied by plum chutney. On the palate, that plum element swells and draws strength from an emergent current of blackberry jam, but firm tannins and notable acid bolster a latent pepperiness."

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Masciarelli Marina Cvetic Montepulciano d’Abruzzo Riserva 2019 Tech Sheet