Sept 24/10: Tasting Masciarelli Wines from Abruzzo in Toronto

The Time and Date: Friday, September 24, 2010   3 PM to 5 PM

The Event: A private tasting of Masciarelli wines (Abruzzo, Italy), led by Marina Cvetic, owner.

The Venue: ONE Hotel, Yorkville

The Target Audience: sommeliers, special guests

The Availability/Catalogue: Masciarelli is represented in Ontario by Stem; wines are available on consignment from time to time or by special order.

The Quote/Background: This was Marina's first trip to Toronto. The company began in 1978, and now has 380 hectares. They were mainly responsible for changing the Montepulciano d'Abruzzo style by creating barrique aging and using older vines. The winery is a consistent winner in Italian competitions.

The Wines: Villa Gemma is only produced in good years and uses French oak. All prices are licensee.

 

**** Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):

-Masciarelli Marina Cvetic Montepulciano d'Abruzzo 2005, $25.99

-Masciarelli Villa Gemma Montepulciano d'Abruzzo 2001, not available

-Masciarelli Villa Gemma Montepulciano d'Abruzzo 2004, $71.99

 

***1/2 Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms):

-Masciarelli Castello di Semivicoli Trebbiano d'Abruzzo 2007, $35.99.

-Masciarelli Marina Cvetic Montepulciano d'Abruzzo 2004, not available

 

*** Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms):

-Masciarelli Linea Classica Trebbiano d'Abruzzo 2009, $12.99.

-Masciarelli Linea Classica Montepulciano d'Abruzzo 2007, $14.99.

 

The Food: bruschetta with olive oil and prosciutto, four artisanal cheeses, fruits and nuts.

The Downside: personally, I had just come from an LCBO Vintages tasting; I needed to refresh my palate.

The Upside: a great setting.

The Contact Person: Robert@stemwinegroup.com

The Marketing Effectiveness (numerical grade): 91.

 

Chimo!  www.deantudor.com AND http://gothicepicures.blogspot.com