La Valentina
Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Spelt Riserva 2021
| Denomination | DOC Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Rosso Riserva |
|---|---|
| Size | 0,75 l |
| Alcohol content | 14.5% by volume |
| Area | Abruzzo (Italy) |
| Grape varieties | 100% Montepulciano |
| Aging | Aged for 16 months partly in 25 hl oak casks and partly in new and second-use barriques; final maturation in 25 hl oak casks and one year in bottle before release. |
- Origin and grape: Abruzzo, 100% Montepulciano; still organic red DOC Riserva
- Ageing: 16 months in oak (25 hl barrels and barriques), followed by 1 year in bottle
- Aromas: blackberry, blueberry, plum, red pepper, tobacco; elegant and balsamic finish
- Taste: full and powerful structure, lively and velvety tannins, remarkable glyceric depth
- Serving and pairings: decant for 1 hour at 18-20°C; ideal with grilled meats, lamb and cheeses
Description
What kind of wine it is
La Valentina's Spelt Riserva is an organic red wine with a structured profile, made entirely from Montepulciano grapes. On the nose, it reveals notes of blackberry, plum jam and hints of peat, tea leaves and tobacco. On the palate, it is full-bodied and powerful, supported by a vibrant and velvety tannic structure, with a pronounced glyceric component that adds depth. Ideal for pairing with flavourful meats, it stands out for its persistent and unmistakable balsamic finish.
Where it comes from
This Montepulciano d’Abruzzo originates from vineyards cultivated using organic farming methods in the areas of Spoltore, San Valentino and Scafa. The vines grow at an altitude between one hundred and fifty and four hundred metres, enjoying excellent south and south-west exposure that ensures optimal ripening of the grapes. The medium-textured clay soils shape the dense tannic structure of the wine, enhancing the authentic identity of a region skilfully interpreted by La Valentina.
How it is produced
After harvesting, maceration and fermentation take place in steel vats for about three weeks, to extract colour and preserve aromatic integrity. Ageing continues for sixteen months, partly in oak barrels and barriques, to integrate the structure and smooth the tannins. The process concludes with a further period in wood and a final rest before release, essential steps to stabilise and balance the wine’s rich flavour profile.
History and Curiosities
The La Valentina project, launched in 1990, finds its highest expression in the Montepulciano d’Abruzzo Spelt Riserva 2021. Under the expert guidance of oenologist Luca D’Attoma, the organic grapes are harvested from prized vines rooted in the Pescara area. Deep respect for nature is reflected in meticulous winemaking, enhanced by lengthy ageing in oak and a year of rest in the bottle. The value of this excellent still organic red is recognised internationally, awarded 93 points by Vinous and 5 bunches by Bibenda.
Awards
-
2021
4Italian Sommelier Foundation (FIS) guide This has been one of the most prestigious wine guides in Italy for over 10 years.
-
2021
2This guide is highly respected and offers the most comprehensive review of Italian wines. It has a long tradition and is based on blind tastings carried out by over 100 experts.
-
2021
92/100
James Suckling is an influential American wine critic and journalist who worked at Wine Spectator for 30 years. He left the magazine in 2010 to start his own website and guidebook (JamesSuckling.com). He specialises in Italian and Bordeaux wines.
-
2021
3One of the most prestigious wine guides in Italy.
-
2021
93/100
Vinous is the online guide from Antonio Galloni, one of the world's leading wine connoisseurs.
-
2021
3Italian Sommelier Association (AIS) guide
Tasting notes
Perfume
Color
Taste
Serve at:
18 - 20 °C
Longevity:
05 - 10 years
Decanting time:
1 hour
- Start up year: 1990
- Oenologist: Luca D'Attoma
- Bottles produced: 370.000
- Hectares: 40
Our wines are the natural products of our own terroir – our unique combination of terrain and soil – which we try to convey to every bottle and which is the secret of our original taste. The local micro-climate and the land itself, to which our vines are bound and so well-adapted, give us wines of unique and distinctive character. We are convinced that a fine wine is born from the sum of countless tiny details, so our objective must not only be to consistently produce fine wines, but also to make sure that they are and will always remain authentic. Read more
| Name | La Valentina Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Spelt Riserva 2021 |
|---|---|
| Type | Red organic still |
| Denomination | Montepulciano d’Abruzzo DOC |
| Vintage | 2021 |
| Size | 0,75 l |
| Alcohol content | 14.5% by volume |
| Grape varieties | 100% Montepulciano |
| Country | Italy |
| Region | Abruzzo |
| Vendor | La Valentina |
| Story | History and Curiosities The La Valentina project, launched in 1990, finds its highest expression in the Montepulciano d’Abruzzo Spelt Riserva 2021. Under the expert guidance of oenologist Luca D’Attoma, the organic grapes are harvested from prized vines rooted in the Pescara area. Deep respect for nature is reflected in meticulous winemaking, enhanced by lengthy ageing in oak and a year of rest in the bottle. The value of this excellent still organic red is recognised internationally, awarded 93 points by Vinous and 5 bunches by Bibenda. |
| Origin | Spoltore (Pescara), San Valentino, Scafa |
| Soil composition | Medium-textured clay |
| Cultivation system | Pergola abruzzese - Guyot |
| Plants per hectare | 2000-7000 |
| Yield per hectare | 50 hl/ha |
| Harvest | From the first week of October |
| Fermentation | About three weeks |
| Production technique | Maceration and fermentation for about three weeks in steel vats; ageing for 16 months partly in 25 hl oak barrels and partly in new and second-use barriques; final rest in 25 hl oak barrels and one year in bottle before release. |
| Wine making | Maceration and fermentation for about three weeks in steel vats; ageing for 16 months partly in 25 hl oak barrels and partly in new and second-use barriques, then a final period in 25 hl oak barrels and one year in bottle before release. |
| Aging | Aged for 16 months partly in 25 hl oak casks and partly in new and second-use barriques; final maturation in 25 hl oak casks and one year in bottle before release. |
| Allergens | Contains sulphites |