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Masciarelli - Villa Gemma Colline Teatine-Bianco 2016
Vintage
The late winter of 2016 was unusually warm and left the vineyards in Abruzzo susceptible to spring frost, which is exactly what happened in some of the lower elevation vineyards where humidity was still lingering. The growing season saw sunshine often interrupted with clouds and mist, and the character of the wines tends towards an elegant, balanced profile; we love these vintages in Montepulciano given how they balance with the low yielding, ripe fruit Masciarelli produces.
Estate
Founded in 1981, Masciarelli and its wines have become the standard-bearer for Abruzzo, and an inspiration to all emerging Italian wine regions. At just 22 years of age, Gianni Masciarelli believed that his home of Abruzzo and native grape varieties could produce world-class wines, but the true potential had yet to be realized. With a strong focus on vineyard management, Gianni went against the grain with intense vineyard site and farming focus, reducing yields, working organically, and greatly increasing fruit quality. In the winery, he broke the mold by gently and precisely
handling fruit, and introducing French barriques to add depth and complexity to his wines, and resulting in better integration of tannin. The innovation Gianni and his wife Marina Cvetic brought to the vineyards and the winery has been rewarded with 29 Tre Bicchieri and recognition as a groundbreaking and iconic winery in Italy.
Vineyard
In a span of only 30 miles between the Apennine Mountains and the Adriatic Sea, Masciarelli has carefully assembled 60 specific sites averaging just 5 acres and spread across the diverse soils and altitudes of the 4 provinces of Abruzzo. With vines averaging 37 years of age, the grapes of the Villa Gemma Bianco is sourced from three distinct vineyards, ranging in elevation from 435 to 1,200 feet. These vineyards, as is usual for Abruzzo, are predominantly calcareous clay and limestone.
Vinification
After destemming and pressing, this wine undergoes a 20-hour cold soak prior to a cool fermentation in stainless steel. There is little bottle aging for this wine as it is intended to be consumed in its youth. The 2016 final blend was 80% Trebbiano d’Abruzzo, 15% Cocciola, and 5% Pecorino.
Wine
Villa Gemma Montepulciano d'Abruzzo is the wine that announced Abruzzo to the world, showcasing what the region and grapes of Abruzzo could produce. The Masciarelli Villa Gemma Bianco, first produced in 1985, speaks to the white grape varieties specific to the region, and has become one of the most exciting wines produced at the estate.
