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Masciarelli

Marina Cvetić Montepulciano d’Abruzzo Riserva 2020

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 warming, dry winter gave way to a well-recovered 2020 season, with spring rains compensating for early water deficits and strong, even budbreak across the region. International varieties came in early, while Montepulciano ripened steadily, finishing harvest in early November.

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

$38

Reviews

93

Vinous - September 30, 2024 "The 2020 Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Riserva San Martino Rosso is darkly floral with a woodland-inspired bouquet that blends flowery underbrush with crushed ashen stones and dried black cherries. It's round and supple with ripe red and blue fruit complicated by a tinge of pepper. Violet inner florals swirl throughout. This tapers off with a pleasantly chewy sensation, long and staining. Edgy tannins add youthful tension without slowing the 2020's momentum."

93

James Suckling - October 17, 2014 "Complex notes of cocoa, rose petals, mulberries and dried mint on the nose, followed by a layered, full-bodied and meaty palate. The tannins are resolving nicely."

91

Wine Spectator - April 30, 2025 "A firm, sculpted red, with muscular tannins enmeshed in compact layers of black currant and boysenberry fruit, plus dried thyme, smoke and dark chocolate pudding accents. Hints of anise, paprika, singed orange peel and tobacco play on the tightly meshed finish."

91

Forbes - September 16, 2025 "Medium-deep purple; aromas of blackberry, clove, myrtle and black plum - classic Montepulciano perfumes. Medium-bodied, with excellent ripeness, nicely balanced tannins and an round, clean finish."

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Other Wines by this Producer

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Marina Cvetic Trebbiano d’Abruzzo Riserva

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The Trebbiano Riserva Marina Cvetic represents the ultimate expression for the estate of one of the historical vines of Abruzzo.  Like Montepulciano, Trebbiano was once thought to be a workhorse grape without the potential to produce great wine. The interpretation of this wine is original and has a character. Marina Cvetic wines have full body and are elegant and are a “lone voice” for the most demanding and technical experts.

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Villa Gemma Montepulciano d’Abruzzo Riserva

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Started in Gianni Masciarelli's grandfather's basement, Villa Gemma is the wine that announced Abruzzo to the world, showcasing what the region and grapes of Abruzzo could produce. Villa Gemma Montepulciano Riserva is the only Italian wine with 14 consecutive Tre Bicchieri awards and, more importantly, was the wine that established Abruzzo as capable of making truly distinct, extraordinary wines. Villa Gemma Montepulciano Riserva is a powerfully - almost undeniably - intense wine of character and complexity, with deep fruit and earthy, spicy secondary charachteristics that could only come from the Montepulciano grape in Abruzzo.

Trebbiano d’Abruzzo

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Trebbiano is the white grape that Gianni Masciarelli fought so hard to legitimize. In Abruzzo, the specific clone is different than the high yielding, sometimes simple version of the grape found elsewhere in Italy. On Abruzzo's soils, this variety of Trebbiano creates immensely expressive, a touch opulent, and age-worthy wines.

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Abruzzo and the Montepulciano grape are famous for making arguably the finest rose in Italy, from one of the only appellations in Italy dedicated completely to rose; Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo. This Rosato is the little sister - a fresh and totally delightful expression.