What kind of wine is Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Riserva DOC 'Spelt' 2021 - Fattoria La Valentina

The Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Riserva DOC 'Spelt' 2021 - Fattoria La Valentina is a red wine that embodies the authentic essence of Abruzzo. It is made from 100% Montepulciano grapes, sourced from hillside vineyards, some of which are up to forty years old. This is a wine with a decisive and profound character, combining elegance and structure, offering a balanced tasting experience between power and finesse.

The Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Riserva DOC designation guarantees the quality of the production process and the origin of the grapes, enhancing a grape variety that is a symbol of Italian wine tradition. 'Spelt' is the most mature and refined expression of Fattoria La Valentina's production philosophy, a company that has always valued the territory through a sustainable and environmentally friendly approach.

Vintage Details

The 2021 vintage of Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Riserva 'Spelt' was characterized by balanced climatic conditions, with warm days and cool nights that favored the complete ripening of the grapes. The harvest, carried out manually between late September and early October, allowed for the selection of only the best bunches, ensuring healthy raw material rich in aromas.

Winemaking and Aging

After harvesting, the grapes are destemmed and left to macerate (i.e., in contact with the skins to extract color and tannins) for about three weeks in stainless steel tanks. Fermentation occurs in a controlled manner, to best preserve the aromas of Montepulciano. The aging process is complex and articulated:

• 16 months in 25 hl oak barrels and barriques, both new and second-passage;
• further resting in large 25 hl oak barrels;
• final aging of approximately one year in bottle before commercialization.

This long process gives the wine a harmonious structure, with soft tannins and great aromatic depth.

Tasting Notes

The Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Riserva DOC 'Spelt' 2021 - Fattoria La Valentina expresses itself with complexity and personality, revealing new nuances with each sip.

Color

The color is intense ruby red with elegant garnet reflections, a sign of maturity and successful aging.

Nose

On the nose, it releases a broad and enveloping bouquet, with prominent notes of ripe red fruits, cherry in spirit, plum, and blackberry. These are followed by spicy hints of black pepper, vanilla, and sweet tobacco, with an ethereal touch that enriches the aromatic profile.

Palate

On the palate, it is full-bodied and persistent, with silky tannins and a perfect balance between softness and freshness. The finish is long, with returns of dark fruit and sweet spices, immediately inviting another sip. It is a wine that evolves magnificently in the glass, gaining complexity with aeration.

What dishes to pair with Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Riserva DOC 'Spelt' 2021 - Fattoria La Valentina

Thanks to its structure and aromatic richness, this wine is suitable for accompanying flavorful and characterful dishes. Perfect for special occasions or to enhance traditional Abruzzese cuisine.

• Grilled or braised red meats
• Game and roasts
• Aged cheeses and local pecorino cheeses
• Pasta with ragù, lasagna, and baked dishes

It is a wine that pairs magnificently with intense flavors, capable of holding up to its structure and enhancing its lingering taste.

Storage and Aging

For those wondering how to store Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Riserva DOC 'Spelt' 2021 - Fattoria La Valentina wine, it is important to know that, being a Riserva of great structure, it can evolve for a long time. It is recommended to store it horizontally, at a constant temperature between 14 and 16 °C, in a dark environment with controlled humidity.

Thanks to its evolutionary potential, it can age in the bottle for another 8-10 years, developing increasingly complex aromas and an even more refined taste profile. A true investment for those who love to discover how wine grows and transforms over time.