Masciarelli Marina Cvetic Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Riserva S. Martino Rosso 2021

Masciarelli Marina Cvetic Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Riserva S. Martino Rosso 2021 is a powerful, deeply characterful red that captures the soul of Abruzzo’s signature grape. Crafted as the spearhead of the Marina Cvetic range, it offers a polished yet authentic expression of Montepulciano in its most refined form. First produced in 1997, this Riserva has become a modern classic, marrying the variety’s rustic heritage with a contemporary sense of elegance and precision.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, the 2021 Marina Cvetic Riserva shows a deep, almost opaque ruby core with youthful purple reflections along the rim, signaling both concentration and freshness. The nose opens with intense aromas of ripe black cherry, dark plum, and blackberry, layered with notes of violet, dried roses, and a subtle hint of wild herbs. With a little air, more complex nuances emerge: cocoa nibs, licorice, sweet spices, and a faint smoky, earthy undertone. On the palate, this is full-bodied and structured, yet finely polished. Dense, dark fruit flavors—black cherry, blackcurrant, and macerated berries—are wrapped in firm but velvety tannins. The mid-palate is enriched by notes of bitter chocolate, espresso, and baking spices, leading into a long, persistent finish marked by cocoa bean, a touch of balsamic, and savory mineral accents. Fresh acidity keeps everything in balance and lifts the wine’s richness. While already enjoyable in its youth with adequate aeration, this 2021 has the structure and concentration to age gracefully for 10–15 years, gaining further complexity and integration.

Production
The grapes for Marina Cvetic Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Riserva are sourced from select vineyards spread across eight communes in three provinces of Abruzzo, at elevations ranging from 200 to 400 meters above sea level. These hillside sites, influenced by both the Adriatic Sea and the Apennine mountains, typically feature clay and limestone-rich soils that naturally limit yields and intensify flavor. Harvesting is carried out with great care, often by hand, to ensure only perfectly ripe Montepulciano grapes make it to the cellar. Vinification follows a traditional approach in large, neutral wooden casks, allowing for a lengthy maceration to extract color, tannin, and aromatic depth without overpowering the fruit. The wine then matures further in wood, refining its tannic structure and developing the characteristic interplay of ripe fruit, floral lift, and cocoa-like complexity before bottling.

Food & Serving
This Montepulciano Riserva is a natural partner for robust, flavor-packed dishes. Think slow-braised lamb shank, ossobuco, grilled ribeye, or game dishes such as wild boar ragù over pappardelle. It also pairs beautifully with aged hard cheeses like Parmigiano Reggiano or pecorino, as well as earthy mushroom or truffle-based recipes. For optimal enjoyment, serve at 16–18°C (around 60–64°F). Decanting is recommended for at least 1–2 hours in its youth to help the aromas fully open and to soften the tannins, revealing the wine’s layered complexity and long, refined finish.

Producer
Masciarelli is one of Abruzzo’s benchmark producers, founded by the visionary Gianni Masciarelli in 1981 with the goal of showing the world just how serious Montepulciano and Trebbiano from this region could be. From relatively modest beginnings, the estate has grown into a reference point for quality in central Italy, combining meticulous vineyard work with thoughtful, terroir-driven winemaking. The Marina Cvetic line—named after Gianni’s wife—represents the estate’s more ambitious, vineyard-focused expressions, often sourced from top parcels and crafted with an eye toward complexity and ageworthiness. Over the decades, Masciarelli has earned international acclaim and helped redefine Abruzzo’s image from rustic to refined, all while staying rooted in the region’s traditions and landscapes.

We deliver within 2 - 6 business days. You can choose whether it should be to a parcel shop or home delivery. Free delivery to both parcel shops and your front door. Our store partners primarily use GLS, DPD, UPS and DHL for deliveries. We cover deliveries to the majority of countries in Europe.