MASCIARELLI, MONTEPULCIANO D'ABRUZZO
ABRUZZO, ITALY
To speak of Italy, you have to speak of its regions, each with a distinct character and culture — and each a self-sustaining kingdom when it comes to food and wine. Among the most undersung of these regions is the Abruzzo, home to spaghetti alla chitarra and Campotosto mortadella, as well as some of the most robust and expressive Montepulcianos in the world. And over the past four decades, an inordinate share of those great Montepulcianos have emerged from the cellars of Masciarelli.
Masciarelli is the vision of Gianni Masciarelli, who returned from a youthful summer in Champagne with a mission to produce world-class wines in his native Abruzzo. His innovative methods, combined with a strong focus on yield management and commitment to gentle handling of the grapes, set a standard, and brought the estate an ardent and loyal audience of connoisseurs and collectors from around the globe.
We've long counted ourselves among that band of passionate devotees, and today we're so thrilled to be able to share three from their exceptional portfolio: the 94-point Masciarelli Cvetic Montepulciano D'Abruzzo S. Martino Rosso Riserva 2018; the 93-point Masciarelli Marina Cvetic Iskra 2017; and the (not yet rated) Masciarelli Villa Gemma Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Riserva 2017.
In Italy, no honor in the wine world is more coveted than that of a Tre Bicchieri — a recognition akin to the Guide Michelin, only in this case it is not stars that confer prestige but rather wine glasses (bicchieri). Three is considered extraordinary. Masciarelli has been awarded 29 Tre Bicchieri, a stunning number, and proof that this standard-bearer of an estate has not just been able to maintain an enviable consistency across four decades, but that it has also continued to grow and innovate.
The two Cvetic wines — part of a line that honors the late Masciarelli's wife, Marina — were both enormous critical hits.
James Suckling, who awarded 94 points to the Cvetic Montepulciano D'Abruzzo S. Martino Rosso Riserva 2018, luxuriated in its "complex aromas'' and "full-bodied palate, where the intense fruit coats the medium-grain tannins on the center-palate and continues to push through the wall as the tannins firm up towards the end." Even greater temptation: he noted that the "already long and fruity" finish "will only lengthen as the wine matures in bottle."
Of the Marina Cvetic 2017 Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Riserva Iskra, Wine Advocate, in a glowing 93-point review, was struck not just by its "thick concentration and ... dark, rich appearance," but also by how "bold and contemporary in spirit" it is, with "lots of fruit weight and texture that is smoothed out by oak toast and sweet spice."
It is this characteristic, above all, that has long endeared us and other drinkers to Masciarelli: the way the wines manage to evoke the earthy terroir of Abruzzo, and at the same time convey a wonderful freshness and energy.
Though not yet rated, we have every expectation that the Villa Gemma Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Riserva 2017 will stand, not just in the company of these other two, but in the company of all that have come before — the pantheon of Masciarelli greats over the decades.
We can offer special Concierge Sales family pricing for all three, but for the next week only, so don't delay — this is a fantastic chance to add to your cellar with some of the most powerful and crowd-pleasing wines in the marketplace today.
*Offer NOT valid in-store. This offer is made pre-arrival, with wines estimated to be delivered to your preferred store in Fall/Winter 2022. With the supply chain issues that we are seeing globally, there may be some unforeseen delays which could affect the ETA. All sale prices are the lowest available at Total Wine & More and ONLY valid through Concierge Sales. No further discounts or coupons may be applied. Offer not valid in MI, NY, or TN. This offer is for ONE WEEK, or until sold out, and will expire on Tuesday, June 21, 2022.
