Let’s take a look at two wines from the Abruzzo region of Italy, located towards the middle of the country on the Adriatic Sea. Masciarelli, or Tenute Agricole Masciarelli to be exact, started in 1981 and has continuously grown in size. Today the company produces 2.2 million bottles of wine a year, all from estate grapes. They have several different ranges of wine, from entry level to more premium bottles. Here we’ll take a look at two wines from the Linea Classica line, the first range made back at the beginning of the winery from classic grapes, with no oak, and made to drink young.
Here they are:
Wine: 2021 Masciarelli Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
Winery Location: Abruzzo, Italy
Tasted By: Neil & Cheri Date: July 2023
Tasting Notes: This is made with 100% estate Montepulciano d’Abuzzo grapes. The juice is fermented in stainless steel, spends some time on the skins and is then aged in stainless. No oak here. It is a medium ruby red in the glass, with a nose of red berries, cherry twizzler and a hint of earth. Medium in body, the wine is lighter in style, smooth with mild tannins and a nice, medium long finish. Overall this is a well made, easy drinking red wine that would be great by itself or with some antipasti. We liked this.
Price Point – $15
Would We Buy It? – Yes, this really is a pleasing wine with no hard edges. Bright fruit and medium tannins provide a smooth experience. It is a good value at this price point.
and the second:
Wine: 2022 Masciarelli Rosato Colline Teatine
Winery Location: Abruzzo, Italy
Tasted By: Neil Date: July 2023
Tasting Notes: Also 100% Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, the grapes are pressed and then the juice does not see any skin contact. The wine is again vinified in only stainless steel. The resulting color is a vibrant salmon pink, with more color than your average Rosé. On the nose there is a lot going on, with light berries and notes of lychee, blood orange and red grapefruit, along with floral notes. It is a little unexpected. The palate is fruit driven, smoother than expected but still very fresh. It finishes really long. This is excellent, a great summer wine and an elevated Rosé. Highly recommended.
Price Point – $14, and a great value there.
Would We Buy It? – Yes. This is superior.
Both of these are somewhat rustic, regional wines, but we mean that in the best possible way. They are honest, delicious and true to the region, the culture and the history of both Abruzzo and Masciarelli. We recommend them both. The Rosato is especially noteworthy. The flavor profile there is really interesting.
A votre santé!
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