Masciarelli Marina Cvetic Iskra Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Riserva 2017

Cellar for up to 12 years. No need to decant before serving.

With some 900 acres of vines spread across Abruzzo’s four provinces, it’s hard to believe that the Masciarelli estate started with just 5 acres clustered around an old farmhouse. Founder Gianni Masciarelli began the project in the late 1970s after an inspirational trip to France’s Champagne region. Over the decades he became recognised as one of Abruzzo’s leading winemakers, winning 29 Tre Bicchieri awards for his visionary modern winemaking style which helped revive the region’s wine industry.

Masciarelli’s Marina Cvetic wines showcase the finest terroir on the estate are named after Gianni’s wife who now runs the winery along with their eldest daughter, Miriam. This elegant single vineyard bottling is named “Iskra”, which means “spark” in Marina’s native Serbian language, in reference to its vivacity and energy. The grapes are grown in the Teramo province on a gently sloping vineyard at around 700 metres above sea level with yields kept very low to maximise quality.

Once in the winery the fruit is fermented in stainless steel tanks and then aged in French oak barrels for 12 months followed by 24 months in the bottle. The result is a complex, intense red which is bursting with luscious cherry, dark berry and spiced plum notes along with hints of dried Mediterranean herbs, woodsmoke and leather.