When someone asked me why I chose to visit Abruzzo, a region often overlooked by tourists, my answer was simple: I had heard it was a place of enchantment. Moreover, I loved Montepulciano D’ Abruzzo since I first tried it in a masterclass in New York seven years ago. Hence, I wanted to dig deeper and experience their terroir firsthand. I wanted to witness the coastal and mountain range where Montepulciano D’ Abruzzo grows and thrives. On top of that, you know that my distinctive seal will be to visit and share about the hidden gems that offer exceptional value and quality.
That’s how I thought about Abruzzo before traveling there, and while visiting Abruzzo, it did not disappoint. On the contrary, it exceeded my expectations. Abruzzo is nestled amidst the picturesque landscapes of Maiella Mountain and the Adriatic Sea.
One of the producers I connected with many years ago lies their winery over there. One that has become synonymous with the region’s winemaking progress is, without a doubt, Masciarelli Winery. Founded by the visionary Gianni Masciarelli, this iconic estate has been a trailblazer in showcasing the true potential of Abruzzo’s terroir.
It is worth mentioning that Gianni Masciarelli passed away. Still, his legacy lives with Marina Cvetic, his wife, and his family, who keep working on both sides of the ocean. They showcase the best of the region that Mr. Masciarelli once envisioned had great potential. In New York, we hold them in high regard. As I visited different areas of Italy, it was great to see how recognized they are inland, displaying their wines in restaurants, wine stores, and airport concessions. That spoke to me tons about the extraordinary work the family is putting into highlighting the name of Masciarelli in Italy and beyond.
Masciarelli’s vineyards sprawl across all four provinces of Abruzzo: Chieti, L’Aquila, Teramo, and Pescara. The location of their terroirs is a testament to the winery’s unwavering commitment to capturing the essence of their unique land across the region. The family’s dedication to sustainable viticulture practices, combined with Gianni Masciarelli’s love for the wines of the world, has resulted in grapes of exceptional quality and wines that express the unique character of Abruzzo.
My recent visit to Masciarelli was made even more special by the opportunity to meet Marina Cvetic, the driving force behind the winery since Gianni’s passing. Her passion for winemaking and dedication to preserving her husband’s legacy was truly inspiring, and it was a privilege to witness this firsthand.
Marina is friendly and easy to relate to. She welcomed us with open arms, a warm hug that made us feel at home. I have read and heard about her work; knowing a true visionary was an honor. She is resilient, and you can feel her trust in her land and the power of nature. Some of the wine barrel rooms were decorated with meaning – one had lightning shining like stars, and another had stones brought from a nearby mountain, which influenced the final wine result. She genuinely believes that caring for the environment and using ecological practices make a difference in the product. She pays attention to the minimal details; you can find her hand throughout the hospitality experience. Moreover, she is personal, which makes a big difference for me.
Masciarelli’s flagship Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, a powerful and elegant red with dark fruit and spice notes, is a testament to the region’s signature grape. However, their commitment to quality and innovation is further showcased in their cultivation of other native and international grapes. This diversity in their portfolio is a reflection of their dedication to pushing the boundaries of winemaking. The 2023 Chardonnay, for instance, is a prime example of how an international varietal can thrive in the rolling hills of Abruzzo, producing an elegant mineral expression that speaks volumes about Masciarelli’s meticulous craftsmanship and unwavering pursuit of excellence.
During my visit to the winery, I enjoyed trying the 2023 Chardonnay straight from the barrel. It revealed how well an international varietal thrives in the rolling hills of Abruzzo, producing an elegant mineral expression showcasing the meticulous craftsmanship and unwavering pursuit of excellence that define Masciarelli. My thoughts while savoring this Chardonnay were going on the legacy of Gianni Masciarelli, who appreciated the elegance and refinement of wine.
Each Masciarelli wine tells a story of the unique land that Abruzzo is. Since I was in love with the stories I heard before traveling there, I fell more in love with both the coastal and mountain ranges and the passion of the Abruzzese people that goes into every bottle. The winery is known for its dedication to sustainable practices, preservation of indigenous grape varieties, and relentless pursuit of quality, earning it a well-deserved reputation as a leader in Abruzzo winemaking.
I can’t return from the enchantment of my visit to Masciarelli Winery. From the vineyards nested in the rolling hills to the warm hospitality and truly food-friendly wines, every aspect of the visit left me more in love with Abruzzo. Masciarelli is a testament to the enduring spirit of Abruzzo and the boundless potential of Italian winemaking. I can’t recommend enough that you travel there and experience it. Only a few hours from Rome, it’s well worth it.
After the iconic winery visit, I was offered a private tasting in the Castello di Semivicoli. The Castello hosts guests in a luxury experience and is 15 minutes away from the winery.
The private wine tasting at Castello di Semivicoli was an experience I had only dreamed of. The journey through the diverse expressions of Abruzzo’s terroir was delightful. Moreover, the attention to detail and personable hospitality made it truly special. I was so pleased with the experience that I highly recommend it to anyone visiting Castello di Semivicoli. The opportunity to taste these exceptional wines in such a beautiful setting is not to be missed.
But let me share some details on the wines I tasted.
On the one hand, the whites showcased a spectrum of native grapes. From the crisp and citrusy expression of Castello di Semivicoli Trebbiano D’Abruzzo to the complex and age-worthy Marina Cvetic Riserva Trebbiano. The Villa Gemma Abruzzo Bianco DOCG impressed me with its floral elegance. While the Valori Bio Trebbiano offered a pure and organic expression of the grape.
The innovative Iskra is a blend of Chardonnay and Cococciola. It had a bright minerality and crispness that I particularly crave when enjoying seafood.
The Villa Gemma Cerasuolo D’Abruzzo, a vibrant rosé, was a refreshing surprise with its wild berries and citrus zest notes. Cerasuolo was one of my top favorites of the entire tasting. Lucky me, I have a couple of bottles in the cellar as it is a Rosé that you can age. Notably, we do not call an Italian Rosé in this region. We instead call it Cerasuolo.
On the red side, the tasting highlighted the versatility of Montepulciano d’Abruzzo. The Iskra Montepulciano D’Abruzzo DOC intrigued with its modern twist and light expression, while the Villa Gemma Montepulciano D’Abruzzo DOC displayed classic elegance and medium body. The Valori Bio Montepulciano D’Abruzzo offered a pure, organic expression of the grape, and the Marina Cvetic Merlot, a testament to the winery’s exploration beyond indigenous varieties, was impressed with its plush texture and dark fruit character. While tasting, I thought about a Pomerol and even said it out loud…
The tasting was a true Abruzzese experience, highlighting the region’s diverse winemaking styles and the remarkable potential of its indigenous grapes. I was offered pasta and cheeses that were just the fitting accompaniment for these gems. I only wish I could have had them all!
Learn more about Masciarelli Winery and their Italian wine excellence by Marina Cvetic on their website masciarelli.it
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