Masciarelli – Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
| Winery: | Masciarelli |
| Category: | Red Wine |
| Type: | Montepulciano |
| Region: | Abruzzo |
| Grapes: | 100% Montepulciano |
| Vinification: | The grapes are pressed and undergo a short, warm fermentation on the skins in stainless steel after destemming. To maintain the freshness and vibrancy of the fruit, further aging in stainless steel in necessary. Afterwards, the wine is then racked and bottled by gravity, not needing fining or filtration. |
| Color: | Exhibits bright red berries and cherry colors. |
| Bouquet: | Redcurrant and violet aromas. |
| Palate: | Rich and ripe dark cherry fruit, accompanied with spicy, smoky notes. |
| Pairing: | Pairs greatly with pastas, roasted meats, and pizza. |
| Serving Temperature: | 61°F – 64°F. |
About the Abruzzo Region:
Location: Central Italy, Southeast
Notable Reds: Montepulciano and Sangiovese
Notable Whites: Trebbiano
Winemaking traditions in Abruzzo date back to the sixth century BC thanks to the Etruscans, who played a major role in introducing viniculture to the area. At that time Abruzzo’s vineyards were generally focused around the Peligna valley in the province of L’Aquila.
However, there is evidence that vine growing goes back as far as the fourth century BC, when a sweet, Moscato-style grape called Apianae was grown. It is also believed that when Hannibal made his epic journey over the Alps, his soldiers were given Abruzzo wine from Teramo (historically known as Pretuzi).
The region is one of Italy’s most mountainous with more than 65% of all Abruzzo being considered mountainous terrain, reaching up to 9,000 ft above sea level. The hillside vineyards, particularly in the northern areas, are planted on calcareous clay and benefit from warm and significant sun exposure, ventilated by dry breezes from the Adriatic Sea.