Gianni Masciarelli, Montepulciano d’Abruzzo Classica, 2009

GIANNI MASCIARELLI

Gianni Masciarelli and his wife Marina Cvetic are among the shining beacons of Abruzzo. For years, this beautiful land, with its abundance of sun, great soil and the easy-to-grow Montepulciano grape, had wallowed in mediocrity as scores of producers were clearly taking advantage of what was given to them. Gianni, along with the reclusive genius, Edoardo Valentini, proved to the rest of the world, through hard work, low yields, and a desire to be the best, that Abruzzo and the Montepulciano grape could produce world-class wines. Over the years, his limited production wines have reached cult status.

His Montepulciano oozes of red cherry characters, cooking chocolate with hints of Amaretto, the palate develops into a savoury mouthful of intense oregano herbs and cherries, while the tannins are dusty but soft and the finish is meaty.