Masciarelli Marina Cvetic Montepulciano D'Abruzzo Riserva 2021

Masciarelli Marina Cvetić Montepulciano D'Abruzzo Riserva 2021 is a rich, polished, and complex natural expression created by Gianni Masciarelli as a homage to his wife, Marina Cvetić. Sourced from high-density, old-vine vineyards in San Martino sulla Marrucina, the 100% Montepulciano grapes undergo long fermentation on the skins in stainless steel tanks before maturing for 12 to 18 months in 100% new French oak barriques. In the glass, it presents an intense, deep ruby-garnet color. The nose smolders with expressive aromas of dark cherry, ripe blackberries, cocoa nibs, sweet spices, dried rosemary, and subtle graphite notes. On the palate, it is full-bodied, structured, and graceful, wrapping concentrated dark stone fruits and balsamic spice in fine-grained, velvety tannins and lively acidity that carries through to a long, persistent, and fragrant finish.

Food Pairing: Pairs wonderfully with roasted lamb chops, braised beef short ribs, wild boar ragù, venison, rich truffle pasta, cured meats, and aged Pecorino cheese.

93 Points - James Suckling

93 Points - Wine Spectator

Supple and graceful, this starts off slowly on the palate, but the fine mesh of crushed raspberry and chopped cherry fruit, dried rosemary, paprika, white pepper and tar quickly gains momentum and amplified expression, enmeshed with firm, fine-grained tannins and refreshing acidity. Long and fragrant on the finish. Best from 2026 through 2036.