Drinkhacker contributor Christopher Null confessed that it has been a few years since the publication delved into the wines of Abruzzo’s Marina Cvetic, so his latest piece explores “a pair of big reds” from the region, the 2015 Iskra and 2016 Montepulciano d’ Abruzzo Risevera.
He explains that Iskra uses 100% Montepulciano fruit from a single vineyard in Controguerra (province of Teramo) and that it “is built on a moderate to full body with prominent notes of black currants and dark cherries, with a solid layer of spice clinging throughout.” Continuing, he offers, “hints of green olive, rosemary-crusted roast lamb, and a light layer of balsamic balance out a moderate level of tannins. Lots going on here, but it’s all surprisingly well-balanced.”
Offering readers context that the Montepulciano d’Abruzzo Riserva is Cvetic’s bestseller, he describes it as “a surprisingly savory beast….brooding with notes of licorice, tea leaf, and almond skins.” He speaks to the currant and plum notes, and adds that it finishes “with a hefty note of dried tea and bitter amaro.” He warns that this quite an intense wine, but “sharp cherry notes give the finish a bit of a lift.” Read the full story HERE
Related Wines
Masciarelli
Marina Cvetic ISKRA 2015
Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Colline Teramane DOCG
ISKRA is the Serbian word for “spark,” and Gianni Masciarelli dedicated this wine to his wife, Marina Cvetic, who is from Serbia. It is among the Marina Cvetic line of wines, which Gianni created for his wife. Made from a single-vineyard cru of Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, ISKRA is a wine of extraordinary distinction and depth.
Masciarelli
Masciarelli Marina Cvetic Montepulciano d’Abruzzo Riserva 2016
Montepulciano d'Abruzzo DOC
The Montepulciano Marina Cvetic represents an intense and remarkable expression of one of the historical vines of Abruzzo. The 100% Montepulciano comes from eight of the estate's top parcels, across an altitude of 500 to 1,200 feet above sea level, on soils of calcareous clay and lime. In these vineyards, we find not only the traditional Abruzzo pergola vine training, but also Simple Guyot and Spur Cordon as well.
Related Producers
Masciarelli
Abruzzo, Italy
Through tremendous vision and endless innovation, Masciarelli has not only become one of the most admired wineries in Italy, but is often regarded as the standard-bearer of the Abruzzo region. Led by the mother-daughter team of Marina Cvetić and Miriam Lee Masciarelli, the winery is the only one in Abruzzo to own land in all four provinces and produce wine from 100% estate-owned vineyards.