September Featured Wines -2023 Masciarelli Trebbiano d’Abruzzo & 2024 Masciarelli Montepulciano D’Abruzzo, Italy

August 30, 2026 · by ·

This month we are returning to the Abruzzo Region which is considered Southern Italy. While geographically it is often considered part of Central Italy, its historic association with the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies make it Southern Italy. It is a very “green” region with half the territory protected by national parks and natural reserves. The vineyards of the producer of the wines, Masciarelli, are between the Apennine mountains in the west of the region and the Adriatic Sea on the east. Gianni Masciarelli’s commitment to producing high quality wines has put Abruzzo on the winemaking map.

The white selection is 2023 Masciarelli Trebbiano d’Abruzzo.This is our first 100% Trebbiano since 2012. Masciarelli wants his Trebbiano to show the grape’s full potential in Abruzzo’s soils and climate. Made from 100% estate-grown Trebbiano, it offers a vibrant expression of stone fruits, a concentrated, round mid-palate, and a mineral-driven, complex finish.

2024 Masciarelli Montepulciano D’Abruzzo is the red selection. This is the “Montepulciano grape,” not the town in Tuscany where the local wine is Sangiovese. This medium-bodied wine is considered an entry Abruzzo wine. It is food-friendly and serves well with casual food with its soft tannins. This is a “drink now” red but it can be stored for drinking later.

Both of these wines are affordably priced. With Republic National Distributing no longer in the market, Prestige-Ledroit Distributing’s portfolio includes some new providers with nice wines to offer in a varied price range. These are two of the wines that come from Vintus.

An added note about Trebbiano. If you are fan of Casio e Pepe, the wonderful pasta dish, Trebbiano would be a great pairing. One Coastal in Fenwick has the dish on their menu but not a Trebbiano. Their Maremma Toscana Vermentino would be a nice subsitute but I would love to see a Trebbiano on my next visit.

2023 Masciarelli Trebbiano d’Abruzzo, Italy $16

Delightful, expressive combination of stone fruits with a round, concentrated mid-palate that finishes with minerality and, as with all the wines, complex and long. Fresh, flavorful, and far more serious than most Italian whites at this level, it stands among Italy’s finest. Pair with linguine with clams, garlic and butter sautéed shrimp, Cacio e Pepe Alcohol: 12%

2024 Masciarelli Montepulciano D’Abruzzo, Italy $14

This wine offers a medium-bodied, food-friendly profile with bright sour black cherry, dark berry fruit, and savory herbal or earthy mineral notes. It is juicy and fresh with soft tannins and pleasant acidity. Great with pizza, tomato-based pasta dishes, and roasted meats. With the grill still going, think of this with burgers. Alcohol: 13.5%

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August Featured Wines – Zeni Soave Doc Classico Vigne Alte & Bricco al Sole Montepulciano D’Abruzzo, Italy

August 17, 2024 · by ·

When selecting wines to featured for our wine club, I look back to see where the wine club has “traveled” and what wines have sold after being introduced. Italian and French wines seem to be more frequently purchased. Most recently Castellani Chianti and Vermintino have been good sellers. This made me think about wines that are characteristic of the 20 regions in Italy. I have chosen a Soave from Veneto in north-east Italy bordering the Adriactic Sea and a Montepulciano D’Abruzzo from Abruzzo in east-central Italy.

2023 Zeni Soave Doc Classico Vigne Alte, Italy $15

This Soave reveals beautiful notes of elderberry , chamomile , green apple ,pear , small plums , chalk , lemon and white peach . The palate is elegant, fresh and delicious at the same time with a finish of beautiful bitterness. Enjoy with fish, risottos and caesar salad. Alcohol: 12.3%

2022 Bricco al Sole Montepulciano D’Abruzzo ,Italy $12

This Montepulciano’Abruzzo has an Intense aroma of dry fruits and flowers. Dry and savory with soft tannins & notes of dark cherry and red berry fruit. Pair with roasted and braised red meats, with poultry and savory dishes. Certified Organic. Alcohol: 13%

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Featured Wines for February – 2021 Colimoro Pinot Grigio, & 2020 Colimoro Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, Italy

January 31, 2023 · by ·

Wines for February are new to our shelves. From time to time we like to replace old “standards” with wines from different producers. The February wines are Italian and carry a Colimoro label. Colimoro is a collaboration between the Opici family and some of Italy’s oldest producers. Together, they are creating wines that reflect the character of the region from which they derive. Opici Family Distributing, is one of our distributors.

Opici considers these 2 wines to be easy-drinking, approachable wines intended for every day consumption. 2020 Colimoro Montepulciano d’Abruzzo is made from grapes sourced from the hillsides of Abruzzo, located east of Rome. The distinct microclimate between the Apennine Mountains and the Adriatic Sea, characterized by moderate temperatures and low humidity, provides excellent growing conditions for this varietal. 2021 Colimoro Pinot Grigio is produced in the northeastern Italian region of Alto Adige – the premier location for the cultivation of this varietal

2021 Colimoro Pinot Grigio, Italy $15

This Pinot Grigio has flavors of white peach, honeysuckle, and ripe melon perfectly pair with the refreshing acidity. It is full-bodied with great balance, length, and a sliced green apple finish. Pour this wine for all occasions, especially whilst enjoying salads, seafood, creamy pasta dishes, and, of course, amongst friends. Serve well chilled. Alcohol: 12.5%

2020 Colimoro Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, Italy $15

This Montepulciano d’Abruzzo is bursting with aromas of dried cherries accented by a hint of spice. Medium in body, this is a fruit-forward wine balanced by moderate acidity and soft tannins. Aged in large Slavonian oak casks for 6 months, this is an easy-drinking wine best enjoyed young with everyday meals Alcohol: 12.5%

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