Masciarelli, Villa Gemma Riserva, Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

This nuanced single-vineyard wine is rich and earthy, chocolatey and balsamic with some black cherry and spicy plum aromas. An incredibly spicy attack of black and white pepper and even some chalky bicarbonate of soda is followed by plush red and black berries, and earthy complexity framed by integrated, fine tannins. A long, soft yet very fresh finish is highlighted by touches of blackberry coulis, tobacco, spicy cedar and chocolate. Vinified in stainless steel then matured in new French oak barriques.