Masciarelli Marina Cvetic Chardonnay Colline Teatine

Italian products are known worldwide for their high quality and good looks. “Made in Italy” has become a sort of brand of its own and many have managed to position themselves at the top of it. This is true for Masciarelli Tenute Agricole, a symbol of Italian winemaking and a leading figure of the success of modern wine production in Abruzzo. This winery is currently run by Marina Cvetic, the partner and wife of founder Gianni Maciarelli, where she makes wines that continue to carry the genuine expression of such a complex territory. Based on the wealth of terroirs, microclimates and grapes, in 1991 the Gianni-Marina partnership created a range of wines characterised by the presence of pure international grape varieties like Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay together with the leading native varieties Montepulciano and Trebbiano. Structured and elegant wines that have since become the delight of the most demanding palates.

However, in order to make these wines with foreign varieties, they firstly needed to put some work into cultivating international vines in Abruzzo. Their Masciarelli Marina Cvetic Chardonnay Colline Teatine wine is made with Chardonnay that was planted by Gianni Masciarelli himself in Abruzzo in the mid-1980s to demonstrate the region’s full power. Sourced from 18-20 year old vines planted in chalky clay soil at 400 metres above sea level, the influence of the sea and the mountains contribute to the full phenolic maturity of the grapes. Cultivation is very respectful, using non-aggressive products and limiting yields. When the grapes reach the winery, they are selected, destemmed and pressed. The resulting must undergoes a cryomaceration in a press for 12 hours and then ferments in new French oak barrels. Finally, it spends 12 months in barrels and another 12 months in the bottle.

Masciarelli Marina Cvetic Chardonnay Colline Teatine is a white wine with a French influence and variety, but the Masciarelli stamp is clearly on display. An elegant and structured Chardonnay, “made in Italy” style.