What kind of wine is Terre Aquilane Merlot IGT 'Marina Cvetic' 2017 - Masciarelli
The Terre Aquilane Merlot IGT 'Marina Cvetic' 2017 - Masciarelli is one of the emblematic wines of the Abruzzo winery Masciarelli, created to express the elegance and character of Merlot grown in the hills of the Terre Aquilane. Made from 100% Merlot grapes, it boasts an intense and modern profile, capable of combining softness and structure in perfect balance. A full-bodied wine with a decisive yet refined personality, it stands out for its ability to combine international style with territorial authenticity.
Vintage Details
2017 was a hot and dry year, which favored a rich and concentrated ripening of the grapes. The temperature excursions between day and night in the hilly areas of the Terre Aquilane allowed the Merlot to develop complex aromas and silky tannins. The result is a well-balanced wine, with mature fruity notes balanced by a lively freshness, a hallmark of the best vintages.
Winemaking and Aging
The winemaking of Terre Aquilane Merlot IGT 'Marina Cvetic' 2017 - Masciarelli begins with fermentation in steel at controlled temperatures, useful for preserving the primary aromas of the grape variety. This is followed by maceration on the skins for about 15-20 days, during which the wine acquires color, structure, and aromaticity. Aging continues for 12 months in French oak barriques, where the wine evolves in complexity and harmony, before further aging in the bottle.
Tasting Notes
A Merlot of great elegance and depth, captivating from the first glance and confirming its balanced and persistent nature on the palate.
Color
Visually, it presents an intense ruby red with garnet reflections, a sign of its good evolution in the bottle. The luminosity in the glass heralds a wine of body and substance.
Nose
The bouquet is broad and complex: notes of ripe red fruits like cherry and plum blend with spicy hints of vanilla, cocoa, and sweet tobacco, derived from its time in wood. Balsamic and slightly toasted nuances also emerge, completing an elegant and enveloping aromatic profile.
Palate
On the palate, the wine is soft and velvety, with finely integrated tannins. The body is full but balanced by a pleasant freshness that provides momentum and depth. The persistence is long, with a finish that echoes the fruity and spicy notes perceived on the nose.
Food Pairings for Terre Aquilane Merlot IGT 'Marina Cvetic' 2017 - Masciarelli
This Abruzzese Merlot is ideal for accompanying rich and well-structured dishes. Its softness and aromatic intensity make it versatile and perfect for convivial moments or a more refined dinner.
- Grilled or roasted red meats
- Stews and braised meats with aromatic herbs
- Aged cheeses with a strong flavor
- Pasta with ragù or porcini mushrooms
Also excellent to enjoy on its own, as a meditation wine.
Storage and Aging: How to store Terre Aquilane Merlot IGT 'Marina Cvetic' 2017 - Masciarelli wine
To best preserve its quality, Terre Aquilane Merlot IGT 'Marina Cvetic' 2017 - Masciarelli should be stored in a cool, dark place free from temperature fluctuations, preferably around 12-14 °C. The bottle should be placed horizontally, so that the cork remains moist and ensures a perfect seal.
Thanks to its structure and the perfect balance between fruit and wood, this wine has excellent aging potential: it can evolve in the bottle for over 10 years, developing further complexity and aromatic finesse.
Masciarelli
The History of Masciarelli Winery Nestled in the heart of Abruzzo, the Masciarelli winery is the result of a winemaking tradition spanning generations. Founded in 1981 by Gianni Masciarelli, the company has established itself as an emblem of excellence and innovation in the Italian wine sector. W...
How to open and best serve Terre Aquilane Merlot IGT 'Marina Cvetic' 2017 - Masciarelli
1. Bottle positioning
Before opening Terre Aquilane Merlot IGT 'Marina Cvetic' 2017 - Masciarelli, position the bottle upright for at least 24 hours. This allows any sediment, which is natural in aged wines, to settle at the bottom, preventing it from mixing during pouring. If the bottle has been stored horizontally in a cellar, handle it gently and move it as little as possible.
2. Ideal serving temperature
Temperature significantly affects the perception of wine. We recommend serving this Merlot at 18°C. If the bottle is at cellar temperature (around 14°C), let it acclimatize for half an hour; if it is at room temperature, you can chill it for about ten minutes in an ice bucket with water and ice, avoiding sudden changes.
3. Opening the bottle
Use a lever or double-action corkscrew to ensure a delicate opening. Follow these steps:
- Remove the capsule by cutting it below the neck ring.
- Wipe the rim of the bottle with a clean cloth.
- Insert the corkscrew worm into the center of the cork and slowly extract it to prevent breakage.
In case of a partially deteriorated cork, use a blade corkscrew or seek expert assistance.
4. Inspection and first taste
After opening, observe the cork: it should be intact, slightly damp but not saturated. Pour a small amount of wine into a glass and gently smell it. The aromas should be intense and harmonious, without any cork taint or oxidation. A wine in good condition offers notes of ripe red fruits, spices, and a hint of vanilla.
5. Decanting and oxygenation
For a structured wine like Terre Aquilane Merlot IGT 'Marina Cvetic' 2017 - Masciarelli, decanting is recommended. Slowly pour the wine into a decanter, leaving the sediment in the bottle. Let the wine oxygenate for 30-60 minutes before serving: this process softens the tannins and enhances its aromatic complexity.
6. Serving
Use large, broad-bowled glasses, ideal for concentrating the aromas of an aged Merlot. Fill the glass one-third full to allow for good oxygenation. Serve in order of age or structure, reserving this wine for the last pairings, perhaps with red meat dishes, roasts, or aged cheeses.
7. Storage after opening
If not consumed entirely, store Terre Aquilane Merlot IGT 'Marina Cvetic' 2017 - Masciarelli with the original cork or a vacuum stopper. Store it in the refrigerator, even if it is red wine, to slow down oxidation. Before serving again, bring it back to room temperature. Under these conditions, it can maintain its characteristics for 2-3 days.