This is one of those “wow” wines you encounter on fortunate but rare occasions that radically changes the way you think about a relatively unknown, workhorse grape like Montepulciano d’Abbruzzo. Gianni Masciarelli is a solid and passionate winemaker who has expertly extracted both elegance and complexity: Black cherry, espresso, chocolate and licorice are…
— M.L.
(12/1/2007)
The Abruzzo region of Central Italy boasts many unknown treasures; among the most beautiful of its riches is Villa Gemma. The late vintner Gianni Masciarelli has tamed the wild beast that is Montepulciano by creating a smooth, soft and extraordinarily rich wine that speaks volumes about the territory and the man who shaped it.
— M.L.
(9/1/2009)
Villa Gemma is a flagship wine for Abruzzo that underlines a specific quality-minded winemaking philosophy that makes this Italian region so exciting and full of surprises. The wine is dark and superconcentrated, with amazing intensity and generous layers of mature berry fruit, spice, tobacco, used leather and polished river stone. It is smooth, firm, dense and…
— M.L.
(6/1/2012)
This expression of Chardonnay from Abruzzo in Central Italy delivers amazing intensity and opulence, but what sets this particular vintage apart is the purity of its aromas. The drying mineral note in particular appears vibrant and fresh and gives backbone to the whole wine. Long-lasting flavors of apricot, honey and almond cap the finish.
— M.L.
(7/1/2010)
Extremely creamy and beautiful, this shows how easily this international grape can adapt to various regions. This all-Italian expression shows notes of stone fruit and citrus, with hints of vanilla custard, exotic fruit and papaya.
— M.L.
(12/31/2012)
This wine brings the Trebbiano grape to a whole new level of sophistication. You’ll get stone fruit, melon and apricot, but you’ll also be rewarded with radically unique aromas of melted butter, brown sugar and crunchy crème caramel. The texture is smooth and firm and the wine’s persistency can be counted in minutes.
— M.L.
(12/1/2007)
Gianni Masciarelli has mastered the tricky art of growing Chardonnay in the Abruzzo and this sophisticated, barrique-aged wine shows his enormous talent. Dedicated to his wife, layered aromas here include vanilla extract, pineapple, honey and almond backed by elegant mineral nuances. Wood-driven flavors are underplayed in the mouth, allowing the quality of the…
— M.L.
(12/1/2007)
This rich, opulent and amazingly intense Chardonnay from Abruzzo has plush aromatic layers of toasted nut, exotic fruit, pineapple, honeysuckle and vanilla. You’ll love the creaminess and density here and appreciate that prickly touch of acidity that keeps the palate refreshed.
— M.L.
(7/1/2010)