Red dry
Masciarelli Villa Gemma Montepulciano d’Abruzzo Riserva DOC 2015 is a single-vineyard, 100% ‘Montepulciano’ wine from Abruzzo, belonging to one of Masciarelli’s most important labels. This wine comes from the Colle Cave plot in San Martino sulla Marrucina, at an altitude of around 400 m, and from the first harvests it has been considered one of the most striking examples of how serious and long-lasting Abruzzo ‘Montepulciano’ can sound.
In aroma, this wine reveals itself in a rich and mature way: notes of ripe red fruits, dried fruits, spices, cocoa, black pepper and liquorice, with hints of plums, vanilla, milk chocolate, black cherries and darker fruit. This is an aromatics in which the fruit is already closely intertwined with the depth given by aging and maturity.
On the palate, the wine is full-bodied, dense and firm, but not rough. The tannins are fine, polished, the acidity is integrated, and the overall impression is based not only on power, but also on a consistently maintained balance. The 2015 vintage emphasizes a long, concentrated aftertaste, a dark fruit core and a good aging perspective, making it a wine that speaks not of rapid showiness, but of a slower, layered development in the glass.
The character of this wine is shaped by the steep slope of Colle Cave and the terroir favorable to a fairly concentrated red: the soil combines clay, limestone and gravel, as well as a clayey, moderately calcareous base and a very dense planting, about 9,000 vines per hectare. This combination helps to extract fruit concentration, structure and longer development potential.
In the winemaking, the 2015 Villa Gemma Riserva was fermented for 15-20 days in stainless steel tanks, followed by 20-30 days of maceration, and then aged for 18 months in new French oak barrels and at least another 24 months in the bottle.
Serve at 16-18 °C with game dishes, grilled lamb, hard cheeses or dark chocolate desserts.
Polished nose of ripe plums, vanilla, milk chocolate and some dried fruit peel, too. It’s full-bodied and creamy with velvety, smooth tannins. Lots of chocolate and plummy layers that are smooth and decadent without being overripe. Will be even better after another two or three years in bottle.
Gianni Masciarelli Winery – The Elite of Abruzzo Wines
Since 1978, when Gianni Masciarelli took over the family winery in the commune of San Martino sulla Marrucina, it has become one of the leading names in Italian winemaking. The estate’s wines, known for their exceptional quality, have become true symbols of Italian wine culture.
Innovative Winemaking in Abruzzo
Gianni Masciarelli was among the first to introduce modern winemaking techniques to the traditionally underdeveloped Abruzzo region. His work combined respect for local traditions with innovation, cultivating both indigenous and international grape varieties such as Montepulciano, Chardonnay, and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Leaders of Abruzzo Wine: “Villa Gemma”, “Castello di Semivicoli” and “Marina Cvetic”
“Villa Gemma”, “Castello di Semivicoli”, and “Marina Cvetic” are three flagship wine collections produced by the Masciarelli estate. These wines have received international recognition and consistently rank highly among wine critics and enthusiasts. The iconic “Villa Gemma”, made from Montepulciano grapes, has become one of the most acclaimed and sought-after Italian wines both domestically and internationally.
Marina Cvetic and the Future of Masciarelli Wines
Following the sudden passing of Gianni Masciarelli in 2008, the winery was taken over by his wife, winemaker Marina Cvetic. She continues her husband’s legacy, maintaining the highest standards of quality and craftsmanship. Thanks to her dedication and vision, Masciarelli remains one of Italy’s most respected wineries, producing wines that seamlessly combine tradition with modern winemaking excellence.
If you are looking for authentic wines that unite heritage and innovation, Masciarelli wines are an outstanding choice for any wine collection.