Villa Gemma
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo 2020
Abruzzo
Villa Gemma Montepulciano Riserva is the wine that put Abruzzo on the map, becoming the iconic benchmark for the region’s potential. In 2000, this wine was awarded “Best Wine in Italy” by Gambero Rosso, marking the first time a Montepulciano had received this distinction, and it has also earned 14 consecutive Tre Bicchieri awards. Villa Gemma showcases the extraordinary depth and complexity of Montepulciano from this area. Rich, ripe fruit is complemented by layers of black and dried fruits, spices, and mineral notes. In a word, this wine is legendary.
VINEYARD
The fruit for this wine comes from Colle Cave, a steep hillside vineyard in Chieti with deep roots in the Masciarelli family story. It was here that Gianni's grandfather first made wine in 1930, and the site remains one of the estate's most storied. The soils are a mix of limestone, clay, and gravel, and unlike much of Abruzzo, the traditional pergola training system gives way here to French Guyot, a deliberate choice that reflects the vineyard's singular character and Gianni's pioneering approach to the region.
WINEMAKING
A mixture of tradition and innovation is employed for the Villa Gemma Montepulciano d’Abruzzo. First, the must is macerated and fermented in 3-5,000L botti before being transferred to new French barriques for 18-24 months and another 24- 36 months in bottle before release.
VINTAGE
A summer free of excessive heat but equally free of rain defined the character of Abruzzo's 2020 vintage. Producers with well-positioned plots and moisture-retentive soils navigated the dry conditions comfortably, while adequate spring rainfall earlier in the season kept vines healthy going into the critical ripening period. Powdery mildew required attention in some areas, but vineyard health was generally good. The result was a well-balanced harvest of good concentration and quality, with Montepulciano showing particularly sound phenolic maturation.
TASTING NOTE
A deep ruby red with purple reflections, with bouquets of intense and persistent ripe red fruits on the nose. Spices, black pepper, cocoa, licorice and dried fruits on the palate.
FOOD PAIRING
Smoked andouille, beef ragù, lasagna
Color
Red
Blend %
100% Montepulciano
Appellation
Abruzzo
Alcohol
14.5%
Suggested Retail Price
$88
Reviews
James Suckling - July 26, 2025 "Deep wine with intense aromas of 70% chocolate, smoky wood and earthy oak bark. Bramble fruits also emerge. Medium- to full-bodied, it shows rich licorice flavors on the palate, complemented by firm, dusty tannins. Muscular yet juicy, it offers chewy acidity and a polished, toasty finish with a warming sensation of tobacco."
Vinous - May 8, 2025 "Dusty violet and lavender tones blend with wild blueberry and a whiff of crushed stone as the 2020 Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Riserva Villa Gemma evolves in the glass. This smoothes over the palate with soft textures, wild berry fruits and an array of sweet spices as vibrant acidity maintains fantastic energy. It takes a turn toward structure through the long and dramatic finish, leaving fine tannins to mingle with a mentholated herbal tinge."
Trade Materials
Other Wines by this Producer
Abruzzo Bianco
Abruzzo Bianco
While the Villa Gemma Montepulciano was the wine that announced Abruzzo to the world, the Bianco, created just a year later, further defined what the region and grapes of Abruzzo could produce. This wine, first released in 1985, speaks to the white grape varieties specific to the region and has become on of the most exciting wines produced at the estate.
Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo
Abruzzo Cerasuolo
Perhaps the finest rosé production area in Italy, and one of the few appellations dedicated only to rosé, Cerasuolo has a long history of producing serious rosé, and showcasing how well the Montepulciano grape is adapted to rosé. Masciarelli first produced this wine in 1986, only 5 years after the winery was founded. With deep fruit and structure but no shortage of pleasure, it is a rosé you can take to the dinner table.
