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Masciarelli

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo 2020

Montepulciano d'Abruzzo

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Masciarelli is such an extraordinary story because, as few producers have managed to do, they have succeeded at the very top in creating a global icon, while also creating something special for the everyday consumer, a wine so much better than it needs to be, an ambassador for the region.  This wine for so many people is their introduction to the Montepulciano grape and the Abruzzo region, and the quality and care shown in producing this 100% estate but widely available wine result in an enormously positive impression.

VINEYARD

In a span of only 30 miles between the Apennine Mountains and the Adriatic Sea, Masciarelli has carefully assembled 60 specific sites averaging just 5 acres and spread across the diverse soils and altitudes of the 4 provinces of Abruzzo. These vineyards are farmed sustainably, and the 9 specific vineyards that bear fruit for this wine range in altitude from 435 to 1,200 feet, planted on soils of calcareous clay, and in a combination of traditional pergola as well as spur cordon and single guyot training that Gianni Masciarelli pioneered in the region.

WINEMAKING

After destemming, the grapes are pressed and undergo a short, warm fermentation on the skins in stainless steel. Further aging in stainless steel maintains the freshness and vibrancy of the fruit, producing a wine that exhibits bright red berries, cherry, redcurrant and violet aromas and flavors. The wine is then racked and bottled by gravity without fining or filtration.

VINTAGE

With the winter of 2019/20 a period of relatively warm winters began with scarce and poorly distributed rainfall (a period that continues to this day). Almost no snowfall, the significant rains that fell in March only partially replenished the water reserves in the soil; spring started early and stood out for average temperatures slightly above the historical reference values. The significant rains that fell in a large part of the region, especially in the months of April and June, made up for the water shortages encountered in the winter. Good sprouting, much better than 2019, defense of the vineyards continued without particular problems after a slight start of difficulty, averages above historical reference values and rainfall lower than the reference seasonal averages. The autumn season was distinguished by average temperatures above the historical reference values, especially along the coastal hilly strip. Total rainfall was slightly lower than the reference seasonal averages in the Marsica area and in some locations on the coastal hills. Also in 2020 the harvest of the international varieties began early while the Montepulciano did not take advantage of the excessive heat, on the contrary it almost seems to slow down from a good anisohydric variety. Collection ended in early November as always.

TASTING NOTE

Rich and ripe dark cherry fruit, along with attractive spicy, smoky notes. Fleshy and full, with surprising depth and length.

FOOD PAIRING

This wine is intended to be consumed in its youth and is a terrific complement to roasted meats, pastas and pizza – the ultimate trattoria wine.

Color

Red

Appellation

Montepulciano d'Abruzzo

Alcohol

13.5%

Suggested Retail Price

$15.00

Trade Materials

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Masciarelli Montepulciano d’Abruzzo 2020 Tech Sheet

Masciarelli Montepulciano d’Abruzzo 2020 Shelf Talker

Other Wines by this Producer

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Trebbiano d’Abruzzo

Trebbiano d'Abruzzo

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.

Rosato

Colline Teatine IGT

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.