Tag Archives: montepulciano

Masciarelli Montepulciano d’Abruzzo 2013

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masciarelli copy

Estate: The Masciarelli estate was founded in 1978 by pioneer winemaker Gianni Masciarelli. Located in central Italy on the Adriatic Coast, Gianni was passionate about raising the quality and potential of Abruzzo’s indigenous varietals, including Montepulciano. Established with only 2.5 hectares, the estate now includes about 320 hectares of vineyards that spread throughout 14 different towns within the 4 Abruzzo regions. With Gianni’s love of and respect for land and grapes, all vineyards are farmed organically, making it one of the largest organically farmed estates in Italy. Gianni passed away at the early age of 52, his wife Marina Cvetić, who was always by his side, now heads the estate.

Philosophy: Passionate about the Abruzzo region “with intense flavours, tastes and scents”, the estate focuses on native varietals, “great importance is given to the land and to its wine culture and tradition”.

Winemaking: The organically farmed vineyards are spread across 4 Abruzzo provinces and have their own individual characteristics, from different mineral/soil compositions to varying altitudes. The ‘Linea Classica’ is the first line created by Gianni Masciarelli has become over the years “a landmark for the company”. It makes up one of the 5 wine labels of the estate and is “the most consistent and known, in Italy and abroad”. Grapes were sourced from vineyards with clay soils, fermented and aged in stainless steel.

Tasting Notes: Dark garnet in colour with aromas of cherry, black currant and traces of candied violet. Fruit forward with cherry, black cherry and black currant accented by peppery spice and earthy tree bark. Wrapping up nicely with a fruity finish. Consistently a good value, and gluggable companion to simple dishes. [Notice the redesigned label and new screwtop.]

100% Montepulciano
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo DOC
Italy
Estate Bottled by Masciarelli Tenute Agricole
13% Alcohol
$8
Enjoy now

Di Majo Norante ‘Ramitello’ Molise Rosso DOC 2011

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ramitello

Estate: The Di Majo Norante winery is a family run estate in operation since 1800, and in its currant form since 1968. Located in the southeastern region of Molise along the Adriatic Sea, vineyards in the area date back to 500 BC. With 213 acres of vineyards, the estate has a focus on “the quest for and recovery of grape species on the verge of extinction”. With research, experimentation and traditional farming techniques, they are making “new wines from old vines”, preserving and showcasing native grapes.

Philosophy: A “traditional approach to grape growing and wine production, centered on preserving all the characteristics of Mediterranean wine-making”.

Winemaking: Organic and sustainable methods are practiced, using techniques such as moths for parasite control, and utilizing only organic and mineral based fertilizers. Grapes were sourced “from from a selection of the best Montepulciano and Aglianico grapes grown in the Ramitello vineyard. After fermentation in stainless steel, the wine is aged in a combination of stainless steel tanks and barriques for eighteen months”.

Tasting Notes: Dark garnet in colour with inviting aromas of chocolate, cherry, black pepper and licorice. Tasting quite similar to the aromas, with cherry, dark chocolate, woodsy spice and leather elements brightened by a food friendly acidity. Licorice and black cherry notes linger between each sip. Poised and friendly, this is a versatile glass at the table.

85% Montepulciano, 15% Aglianico
Molise Rosso DOC
Italy
Estate Bottled by Di Majo Norante Campomarino
13.5% Alcohol
$14
Enjoy now thru 2020

Rated 90 points by Wine Spectator

Illuminati ‘Riparosso’ Montepulciano d’Abruzzo 2012

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illuminati

A soft, friendly Montepulciano for the table. [And phenomenal value at $7.]

Estate: Illuminati Wines was founded by Nicola Illuminati in 1890, when it was known as ‘Fattoria Nico’ [Nicola’s Farm]. Today the estate is headed by Nicola’s grandson Dino, along with his wife Marina, children Lorenzo, Stefano, Anna and grandson Nicola. Located in Controguerra in the province of Abruzzo in eastern Italy, the vineyards have expanded from 15 to 130 hectares.

Philosophy: To craft “a genuine and transparent wine, reflecting the territory where it is produced”.

Winemaking: Aged in Slavonian oak barrels for “about 6 months”, with an additional 2-3 months bottle ageing.

Tasting Notes: Dark ruby-red in colour with aromas of vanilla laced black cherry and traces of hay barn. Loads of cherry [think black cherry, red cherry and hints of morello cherry] are backed by earth notes and soft tannins, subtle baking spices round out the pleasantly dry finish.

100% Montepulciano
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
Italy
Estate Bottled by Agricola Dino Illuminati
13.5% Alcohol
$7
Enjoy now thru 2016

Masciarelli Montepulciano d’Abruzzo 2012

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masciarelli
A glugabable, solid little wine that makes a fantastic companion to pastas and pizza.

Estate: The Masciarelli estate was founded in 1978 by pioneer winemaker Gianni Masciarelli. Located in central Italy on the Adriatic Coast,  Gianni was passionate about raising the quality and potential of Abruzzo’s indigenous varietals, including Montepulciano. Established with only 2.5 hectares, the estate now includes about 320 hectares of vineyards that spread throughout 14 different towns within the 4 Abruzzo regions. With Gianni’s love of and respect for land and grapes, all vineyards are farmed organically, making it one of the largest organically farmed estates in Italy. Gianni passed away at the early age of 52, his wife Marina Cvetić, who was always by his side, now heads the estate.

Philosophy: Passionate about the Abruzzo region “with intense flavours, tastes and scents”, the estate focuses on native varietals, “great importance is given to the land and to its wine culture and tradition”.

Winemaking: The organically farmed vineyards are spread across 4 Abruzzo provinces and have their own individual characteristics, from different mineral/soil compositions to varying altitudes. The ‘Linea Classica’ is the first line created by Gianni Masciarelli has become over the years “a landmark for the company”. It makes up one of the 5 wine labels of the estate and is “the most consistent and known, in Italy and abroad”. Grapes were sourced from vineyards with clay soils, fermented and aged in stainless steel.

Tasting Notes: Dark garnet in colour with aromas of cherry and earthy hay barn. Black cherry, plum and hints of orange rind join tree bark and earth notes in the medium body, culminating in a peppery, dry finish.

100% Montepulciano
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
Italy
Estate Bottled
13% Alcohol
$10
Enjoy now

Masciarelli Marina Cvetic Montepulciano S. Martino Rosso 2007

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cvetic

Expressive and well balanced, a charming companion to a wide variety of dishes.

Estate: Pioneer winemaker Gianni Masciarelli who was passionate about raising the quality and potential of Abruzzo’s indigenous varietals, including Montepulciano, founded the Masciarelli estate in 1978. Established with only 2.5 hectares, the estate now includes about 320 hectares of vineyards that spread throughout 14 different towns within the 4 Abruzzo regions. With Gianni’s love of and respect for land and grapes, all vineyards are farmed organically, making it one of the largest organically farmed estates in Italy. Gianni passed away at the early age of 52, his wife Marina Cvetić, who was always by his side, now heads the estate. The Marina Cvetić line [dedicated to her] makes up one of the 4 wine lines and 14 different labels of the estate.

Philosophy: Passionate about the Abruzzo region “with intense flavours, tastes and scents”, the estate focuses on native varietals, “great importance is given to the land and to its wine culture and tradition”.

Winemaking: The vineyards are spread across 4 Abruzzo provinces and have their own individual characteristics, from different mineral/soil compositions to varying altitudes. The Marina Cvetić Montepulciano was fermented in stainless steel, and aged for 12-18 months in barriques.

Tasting Notes: Dark garnet in colour with aromas of tree bark, cherry and hints of smoke. Licorice-infused blackberry and black currant fruits were supported by firm tannins and a plush, lengthy finish of smoked black peppercorn and hints of velvety black cherry.

100% Montepulciano
Abruzzo
Italy
Estate Bottled
14.5% Alcohol
$20 [Average price, I received this in a wine club over a year ago.]
Enjoy now thru 2017