{"product_id":"la-valentina-montepulciano-dabruzzo-spelt-riserva-2021","title":"La Valentina Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Spelt Riserva 2021","description":"\u003cp\u003eLa Valentina Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Spelt Riserva 2021 is a polished, modern expression of Abruzzo’s flagship red, crafted from carefully selected Montepulciano grapes. This Riserva strikes a smart balance between richness and freshness, offering depth and structure without feeling heavy. Named “Spelt” in homage to an ancient grain once grown in the region, it reflects both tradition and a thoughtful, contemporary approach to winemaking.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn the glass, the 2021 Spelt Riserva is a deep, intense ruby with violet highlights that hint at its youth and vibrancy. The nose is generous and layered: ripe black cherry and plum are wrapped in notes of blackberry compote, dried herbs, licorice, and sweet spice, with subtle hints of cocoa, tobacco leaf and a touch of vanilla from oak ageing.\n\nOn the palate, it is full-bodied yet poised, with dark berry fruit at the core framed by firm, fine-grained tannins. Flavors of black cherry, sour cherry and damson are intertwined with notes of espresso, dark chocolate, leather and a savory, almost balsamic undertone typical of quality Montepulciano. The acidity is fresh and well-integrated, giving the wine lift and length on a persistent, spicy finish. This 2021 has the structure to evolve gracefully for 8–12 years from the vintage, developing more tertiary complexity—leather, dried flowers, and earthy nuances—while the tannins continue to soften.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduction\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe Spelt Riserva is sourced from La Valentina’s estate vineyards in the hills of Abruzzo, where Montepulciano thrives on well-drained clay and limestone soils, benefiting from warm Adriatic breezes by day and cooling mountain influences at night. Grapes are typically harvested by hand to allow strict selection of only the healthiest, ripest bunches. In the cellar, fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled tanks to preserve varietal character, followed by an extended maceration on the skins to extract color, aromatics and tannins. The wine is then matured—traditionally in a combination of large oak casks and smaller barrels—for an extended period to earn its Riserva designation, allowing the components to harmonize while adding subtle spice and texture without overwhelming the fruit.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFood \u0026amp; Serving\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Riserva is a natural partner for hearty, flavor-packed dishes: think slow-braised lamb shank, beef short ribs, osso buco, or rich ragù over pappardelle. It also works beautifully with aged hard cheeses, grilled sausages, and rustic dishes featuring porcini mushrooms or truffles. Serve at 16–18°C (60–64°F) to showcase its aromatic complexity and balance. Decanting for 45–60 minutes is recommended, especially in its youth, to allow the fruit and spice notes to open fully and the tannins to relax.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProducer\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eLa Valentina is an estate winery based in Abruzzo, established in the early 1990s with a clear focus on expressing the authentic character of local grape varieties—above all, Montepulciano. Situated on the gentle hills near Pescara, the estate has become one of the reference producers in the region, known for careful vineyard work and a sustainable, terroir-driven philosophy. The Spelt line, in particular, helped put La Valentina on the map internationally as a serious producer of ageworthy, nuanced Montepulciano d’Abruzzo. Over the years, the winery has earned strong acclaim from critics and wine lovers alike for delivering wines that are both deeply rooted in Abruzzo’s traditions and refined enough to stand alongside Italy’s top reds.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"La Valentina","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54426650149201,"sku":"XW-58736","price":22.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0874\/0614\/9969\/files\/la-valentina-montepulciano-d-abruzzo-spelt-riserva-2021_58736_1_7c309d1b-3f18-4f08-969c-30e068ca319b.webp?v=1785226434","url":"https:\/\/bottlehero.com\/products\/la-valentina-montepulciano-dabruzzo-spelt-riserva-2021","provider":"Bottle Hero","version":"1.0","type":"link"}