​Italy’s Abruzzo region has seen a renaissance of quality over the past few decades, and is best known today as the home of exceptional Montepulciano and Trebbiano wines.  Masciarelli Tenute Agricola pioneered this shift to quality, and is one of its most admired wineries, transforming these varietal wines from simple to sensational.  Their character and acidity make them perfect food wines, and the Linea Classica wines are ready for party duty and holiday feasts.

Gianni Masciarelli, Courtesy of Masciarelli

The original family vineyard, San Martino sulla Marrucina, Courtesy of Masciarelli

The Montepulciano grape becomes something special in Abruzzo, Courtesy of Masciarelli

Over forty years ago, Gianni Masciarelli was determined to prove that his native Abruzzo was more than just rustic table wine.  Beginning with his grandfather’s small vineyard, near the family home in San Martino sulla Marrucina in the province of Chieti in Abruzzo, Masciarelli transformed the winescape from backwater to world-class by changing traditional ways of making wine.  He reduced yields, farmed sustainably, and carefully handled the clusters during winemaking.  Recognition came quickly with his Villa Gemma Rosso, a reserve Montepulciano d’Abruzzo made from the best grapes of San Martino, which has become an iconic wine in Italy.  Over the years, Masciarelli accumulated more vineyards, transitioned to a Guyot training system, which allows for more even ripening, and utilized French oak to age his Montepulciano and Trebbiano wines.  And while Trebbiano is grown all over Italy, Trebbiano Abruzzese is an ancient clone only found in Abruzzo, its character is determined by lower yields and wines that have the ability to age.

Marina Cvetić and Miriam Lee Masciarelli, Courtesy of Masciarelli

Courtesy of Masciarelli

Montepulciano harvest, Courtesy of Masciarelli

Barrel Room, Courtesy of Masciarelli

Unfortunately, Masciarelli passed away suddenly in 2008, but his wife and partner in wine, Marina Cvetić, carried on his mission, and today, with their eldest daughter, Miriam Lee, Masciarelli has evolved into a global force.  Their stats are impressive.  Masciarelli is the only producer in Abruzzo to have vineyards in all four provinces (Chieti, Pescara, Teramo, l’Aquila), increasing their estate vineyards exponentially.  The combined estates measure 741 acres, of which 106 acres are planted to vine.  Montepulciano d’Abruzzo and Trebbiano d’Abruzzo are the signature grape varietals of the region, and Masciarelli is transitioning to organic viticulture, looking towards eco-friendly practices to increase their green footprint.  They produce around 2.2 million bottles annually, crafting seven product lines, of which four are imported into the US.  Their wines are exported to 55 countries throughout the world.  The Masciarelli brand has mobilized the change to quality throughout Abruzzo, and heading into the future, they are involved in wine tourism and art projects, creating a modern spin for the region.

​Masciarelli’s Linea Classica range of wines are their everyday wines, but nothing about them screams ordinary.  A red, white and rosé showcase the intriguing character of Montepulciano and Trebbiano in the Abruzzo.  These are extremely food-friendly wines, in fact they shine when paired with food.

The Masciarelli Trebbiano d’Abruzzo DOC Linea Classica 2022 (SRP $16) is crisp and mineral, a light golden color unfurls aromas and flavors of citrus, particularly lemon, and stonefruit such as apricot and peach.  Refreshing in its acidity, it has a round concentration that pulls together the expressive fruit and mineral notes, with a bitter almond note on the long finish.  This is an intriguing white wine, and shouldn’t be served too cold, to allow for its full range of flavors to bloom.  Pair with fish, chicken or pork, salads, or even a creamy risotto, pasta or spanakopita will sing alongside this Trebbiano.

The Masciarelli Colline Teatine Rosato IGT Linea Classica 2022 (SRP $16) is so delicious, made from 100% Montepulciano, and has such a distinctive character.  Fresh, with vivid acidity, it’s like a field of freshly picked strawberries, fragrant with an essence of cranberry in the mix, this is a perfectly balanced rosé that will have your mouth watering from its aromas and flavors.  This is a fantastic food wine, I paired mine with Swordfish and Eggplant, a match made in heaven.

The Masciarelli Montepulciano d’Abruzzo DOC Linea Classica 2020 (SRP $16) is a great value, a medium-bodied wine, intensely aromatic with good acidity and well-integrated, subtle tannins.  There is a purity of fruit here, fermented and aged in stainless steel, so that the brambly berry character and earthiness of Montepulciano really stands out.  Herbal notes and minerality highlight the red berry and dark cherry fruit, along with a spicy accent, and a whiff of underbrush, its juicy and full on the finish.  There is an initial tartness when first opened, but the wine becomes rounder with a little time in the glass.  This is Masciarelli’s best seller, and begs for food, grilled meats, lamb and game, pizza and red-sauced pastas are just a few ideas.

​For something different this holiday season, try the entire lineup of Mascarielli Linea Classica wines, they are characterful, food-friendly and such a great value, and a bonus, they are widely available for purchase.  And although this is the introductory level of Masciarelli wines, Linea Classica captures the essence of Abruzzo, in the words of Gianni Masciarelli, “The scent of my land, the taste of my wine”.  

Here are the links to the winery, and tasting notes:

Masciarelli Tenute Agricola, http://www.masciarelli.it/en/
Masciarelli Trebbiano d'Abruzzo DOC Linea Classica 2022, http://www.masciarelli.it/en/i-vini/trebbiano-dabruzzo-doc-linea-classica/
Masciarelli Colline Teatine Rosato IGT Linea Classica 2022, http://www.masciarelli.it/en/i-vini/rosato-igt-colline-teatine-linea-classica/
Masciarelli Montepulciano d'Abruzzo DOC Linea Classica 2020, ​http://www.masciarelli.it/en/i-vini/montepulciano-dabruzzo-linea-classica/