La Valentina Spelt Montepulciano d'Abruzzo 2020

Tasting Profile
Deep ruby-purple with inky core, this robust Montepulciano displays powerful aromas of ripe black cherries, blackberry compote, and plum preserve intertwined with notes of violet, sweet tobacco, and dark chocolate, complemented by hints of Mediterranean herbs and balsamic nuances. The palate offers concentrated flavors of dark berries, black plum, and blueberry jam balanced by nuances of espresso, licorice, and savory spice. Full-bodied with impressive structure and rich, velvety tannins that provide substantial framework while maintaining remarkable smoothness, culminating in a long, complex finish with lingering notes of dark fruit, spice, and a distinctive earthy mineral character.

Winemaker Notes
Crafted by the Di Properzio family at their La Valentina estate in the heart of Abruzzo, Spelt represents their flagship expression of Montepulciano. The grapes are hand-harvested from organically farmed, old-vine vineyards on hillside slopes with calcareous-clay soils that provide ideal growing conditions for developing concentration and complexity. Following careful selection and extended maceration to extract deep color and structure, the wine ages in a combination of French oak barrels and large Slavonian oak casks for 18-24 months, followed by additional bottle aging before release.

Vintage Notes
The 2020 vintage in Abruzzo delivered excellent conditions with balanced temperatures and minimal rainfall during the crucial ripening period. These favorable conditions allowed for optimal phenolic development and extended hang time, resulting in grapes with exceptional concentration, ripe tannins, and balanced acidity that showcase the distinctive character of this historic Italian variety from its spiritual home.

Suggested Pairings

• Grilled or braised red meats
• Wild game with rich sauces
• Aged hard cheeses like Pecorino
• Traditional Abruzzese dishes such as lamb skewers (arrosticini)
• Hearty pasta with meat ragù
• Rich bean and meat stews

Technical Details

• Region: Abruzzo, Italy
• Classification: DOC Montepulciano d'Abruzzo
• Varietal: 100% Montepulciano
• Alcohol: 14.5% ABV
• Aging: 18-24 months in French oak barrels and Slavonian oak casks, followed by bottle aging
• Contains sulfites

Cellaring
While already showing beautifully, this wine has excellent aging potential and will continue to develop complexity for 8-10 years, with well-stored bottles potentially evolving even further.