La Valentina Bellovedere Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Riserva 2017

Drink it now or cellar for up to 15 years. It is recommended to decant it an hour before serving.

Founded in 1990 by Sabatino Di Properzio, La Valentina is one of the most prestigious wineries in Abruzzo. The vineyards are located in various areas on the hills surrounding the city of Pescara: about 7 hectares are behind the winery, in the municipality of Spoltore; the other vineyards are located in Scafa, on dry soils with medium texture, on the hills overlooking the gorges of Popoli.

The Montepulciano grapes come from a single vineyard called Bellovedere, planted with 42-year-old vines on clayey mineral soil, and located at an altitude ranging between 150 and 450 meters of altitude. After the harvest, the must is left to macerate and ferment, and it is then aged first in barriques, then in large barrels for about 18 months.

The Bellovedere Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Riserva is a round and elegant wine with a dense red color. The nose shows a surprising aromatic power of canned fruit, blackberry, and plum with notes of roasted coffee. On the palate, it has a strong and balanced body with a pleasant freshness, lively tannins, and a long balsamic finish. It makes an ideal partner for grilled and roasted meat or aged cheeses, but try it with dark chocolate for a special treat.