Deep ruby color; blackberry, dark cherry, plum, blackcurrant, mocha, mint, earth, leather, oak spice on the nose and palate.
Dry; polished, fine-grained tannins and bright acidity. Evolves nicely in the glass, also consider decanting to smooth the tannins and bring forth the savory notes. Fruit-driven effort with light oak influences. Medium-plus body. Nice complexity and approachability, especially as it evolves in the glass. That glass evolution is an intriguing feature as you get to experience several slightly but noticeably different wines during your sipping adventure which is abetted by an admirably long finish where the wine does not lose the sensation of density in the mouth. Take a sip and enjoy the ride. 14.5% ABV
Montepulciano is classic grape of central Italy, most prominently in Abruzzo, where this wine is made. This wine is 100% montepulciano, the major grape in the Abruzzo region of eastern Italy, east of Rome. The Apennine Mountains are the western border, the Adriatic Sea the eastern border.
The Masciarelli family is notable for putting Abruzzo on the fine wine map. Prior to Gianni Masciarelli’s influence, montepulicano grapes often were pushed for quantity over quality. Gianni had a different vision. His widow Marina Cvetić and daughter Miriam Lee Masciatelli have admirably continued that upward trajectory. From a relatively small beginning—five acres of vines in 1981, Masciarelli now farms 60 distinct parcels in all four provinces in Abruzzo—Chieti, Pescara, Teramo, l’Aquila—the only maker in Abruzzo that can make that claim. The wide selection of fruit gives the team impressive flexibility in fashioning their outstanding blends.
There is a Tuscan town (75 miles southeast of Florence) named Montepulciano where very highly valued Vino Nobile di Montepulciano is made—but that red wine does not use montepulciano grapes, it uses sangiovese. That famous red wine gets its name because it only is made in the town of that name. Surely you are not surprised wine can be so confusing, especially in the Old World.
Masciarelli Marina Cvetić Montepulciano d’Abruzzo S. Martino Rosso Riserva DOC 2019 is smooth, rich dark fruits. Good complexity. Nicely evolves in the glass presenting an engaging experience. Masciarelli is a leading quality producer in Abruzzo and this effort enhances that reputation. Well priced, largely available. If you enjoy dark fruit wines that do not aggressively assault you with tannins, this certainly is a wine to try. Pair with beef; barbecue; pasta dishes with tomato sauces and beef; tagliatelle al ragu; veal; lamb; pork, including barbecue and baby back ribs; venison; comfort food—meat lover pizza, meatloaf, gourmet burgers, beef stew. Cheese—aged cheddar, parmesan, asiago, pecorino, manchego. $29-38
