Marina Cvetić

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo Riserva 2021

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

The 2021 growing season in Abruzzo was marked by a dry spring and summer, leading to drought conditions for the second consecutive year. These dry conditions resulted in lower yields and smaller berries across all varieties. Harvest began early due to the lack of rainfall, but despite the challenges, the wines from this vintage have greater flavor concentration, natural intensity, and good aging potential. The harvest was smooth and uneventful, resulting in a promising vintage that will age for decades.

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

$48

Reviews

Wine Spectator - December 31, 2025 "Supple and graceful, this starts off slowly on the palate, but the fine mesh of crushed raspberry and chopped cherry fruit, dried rosemary, paprika, white pepper and tar quickly gains momentum and amplified expression, enmeshed with firm, fine-grained tannins and refreshing acidity. Long and fragrant on the finish."

Vinous - May 8, 2025 "Mentholated herbs mix with balsamic spice and a core of dried black cherry as the 2021 Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Riserva Marina Cvetic San Martino Rosso smolders up from the glass. It opens with a burst of tart wild berry fruit and spice as silky textures and violet inner florals soothe the senses. Structured and long, the 2021 leaves the palate wrapped in youthful poise with a tinge of licorice and bitter dark chocolate."

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