Valle Martello Villamagna DOC, Abruzzo, Italy

Sun-warmed black cherry, wild herbs, and a quiet hint of cocoa rise from the glass, then pull inward toward something darker and more structured as the wine opens. 2020 Valle Martello Villamagna DOC shows Montepulciano at full voice, generous and expressive at first, then increasingly precise, with depth that rewards patience and attention.

Product Details:

• Winemaker: Corrado Masci
• Grape: Montepulciano
• ABV: 14%
• Winemaking: Long skin maceration in temperature-controlled stainless steel
• Aging: 6 months in barriques, followed by extended bottle aging
• Allergens: Contains sulfites

Sensory Description:

Ripe black cherry and blackberry lead, layered with licorice, dried Mediterranean herbs, and a subtle earthy undertone. The palate is smooth yet firmly structured, with vibrant acidity lifting the fruit and fine-grained tannins shaping the wine through the mid-palate. Notes of dark chocolate, berry compote, and a cool, mint-tinged freshness emerge toward a long, composed finish.

Awards & Accolades:

• 91 Points: Wine Enthusiast (2024)

Winemaker's Background:

Valle Martello is a third-generation family estate founded by Giuseppe Masci and now guided by a group of cousins who assumed stewardship at the turn of the millennium. The estate’s vineyards are spread across opposing hilltop exposures, allowing careful selection and balance even in warmer vintages. This thoughtful approach is especially important within the tightly defined Villamagna DOC, where altitude, clay-limestone soils, and wide day-to-night temperature shifts contribute to wines of notable power and precision.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve at 18 to 20°C in a large red wine glass to allow the aromatics and structure to fully unfold. A short decant of around 30 minutes is recommended. Pair with roasted or grilled meats, slow-cooked Mediterranean dishes, aged salumi, or firm, mature cheeses that can stand up to the wine’s depth and tannin.