• MONTEPULCIANO SI, MA… D’ABBRUZZO

    par | Jan 28, 2009

    By PATRICK DU GÉNESTOUX

    pdug2 Most of you know the Montepulciano from Tuscany, a DOCG surrounding the medieval city, producing the « Vino Nobile » from a sangiovese clone, the prugnolo gentile.

    I recently went to explore exclusively the Abruzzi, a region planted with montepulciano d’Abruzzo, a red grape able to match all degrees of quality, including superb wines.

    Here is my story.

    About a year ago, Kieran Falconer wrote in the Daily Express-on-line about Abruzzo’s extraordinary views after having travelled around with his camera through breathtaking landscapes and ancient hamlets. He ended his journey drinking deceptively soft red wines in a baron’s 17th- 19th century palace. This « deceptively » soft drink was precisely Montepulciano d’Abruzzo. (suite…)

  • A LOOK AT ‘MARINA CVETIC’ WINES (ABRUZZO)

    par | Jan 28, 2009

    Here is a short note about the vineyard of Masciarelli in Semivicoli in Abruzzo (see previous article by Patrick du Génestoux) 50 miles east of Rome now owned by Marina Cvetic after her husband’s sudden death last summer.

    Gianni Masciarelli (left) was one of Italy’s finest winemakers and he has done much to improve Abruzzo’s wines. In 2004 he purchased the ancient baronial palace and undertook a careful restoration until he suddenly died last summer at 53. Stone, wood, iron have resisted time. Tasteful modern touches add to the uniqueness of the building rooms and furniture. Gianni had decided to open the place for wine and food seminars, concerts and events. In 2009 the 12 rooms and suites provide guests with a top quality level. He was also a shrewd businessman and succeeded in under two decades in doing what others have failed to achieve in over two centuries. (suite…)