What kind of wine is Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Riserva DOC 'Iskra Marina Cvetic' 2020 - Masciarelli?

The Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Riserva DOC 'Iskra Marina Cvetic' 2020 - Masciarelli is a red wine of great character, an authentic expression of the bond between the grape variety and the territory. Made from 100% Montepulciano grapes grown on a hill at about 250 meters above sea level, between the Gran Sasso mountain range and the Adriatic coast, it encapsulates the strength of the mountains and the sea breeze in the glass. It is a full-bodied wine, rich in structure and depth, capable of combining elegance and power, just like its Abruzzese origins.

Vintage Details

The 2020 vintage for Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Riserva Iskra Marina Cvetic was characterized by balanced weather conditions, with a warm but not extreme summer and good temperature excursions between day and night. These conditions favored optimal grape ripening, enhancing aromatic concentration and the balance between sugars, acidity, and tannins. The result is a highly expressive vintage, promising harmonious evolution over time.

Winemaking and Aging

After a careful selection of the grape bunches, fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks at a controlled temperature to preserve the purity of the fruit. This is followed by a long maceration on the skins – the contact between the juice and the grape skins – which allows for the extraction of color, aromas, and structure. The wine then ages for about 12 months in French oak barriques, a process that softens it and gives it complexity, before further refinement in the bottle.

Tasting Notes

The Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Riserva DOC 'Iskra Marina Cvetic' 2020 - Masciarelli is a wine that strikes with its impressive taste and the depth of its aromas.

Color

It presents an intense ruby red color, with garnet hues, indicative of its concentration and evolutionary potential.

Nose

The nose offers an enveloping bouquet of ripe red fruits – cherry, plum, and black cherry – accompanied by deeper notes of sweet spices, vanilla, and a slight toastiness derived from the wood. With aeration, hints of tobacco and licorice emerge, distinctive signs of its complexity.

Taste

On the palate, it is vigorous and structured, with dense but well-polished tannins and a long, satisfying finish. The balance between freshness and body makes the sip harmonious, while the finish recalls the fruity and spicy notes perceived on the nose.

Food Pairings for Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Riserva DOC 'Iskra Marina Cvetic' 2020 - Masciarelli

This wine finds its ideal pairing with rich and structured dishes from regional Italian cuisine. It is perfect to accompany:

• Roasts of red meat and game
• Baked lamb with aromatic herbs
• Polenta with wild boar ragu or braised meat
• Aged cheeses such as Pecorino or long-aged Parmigiano

Thanks to its complexity and tannic structure, it also lends itself well as a meditation wine, to be slowly savored in good company.

Storage and Aging: How to store Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Riserva DOC 'Iskra Marina Cvetic' 2020 - Masciarelli

To maintain the quality of this wine, it is advisable to store it in a cool environment, with a constant temperature between 14 and 16°C and humidity around 70%. The bottles should be kept horizontally to keep the cork moist and ensure a perfect seal over time. Thanks to its structure and balance, the Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Riserva Iskra Marina Cvetic can evolve positively for over 10 years, developing new aromatic nuances and greater softness. It is a wine that can offer emotions even after long aging, for those who love to discover the evolution of great Italian reds.