Az. Agr. Masciarelli – Winery

San Martino sulla Marrucina is nestled amongst the rolling hills in the province of Chieti, located approx. 20 kilometres from the Adriatic Sea at the foot of the Maiella range. San Martino is the birthplace of the successful Villa Gemma range and Masciarelli has gone on to cultivate over 220 hectares (approx. 400 acres) of vineyards in all provinces in Abruzzo. Not only does Masciarelli cultivate grapes for winemaking but also produces fine olive oils… but that’s another chapter.

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The first time I walked into Masciarelli HQ in San Martino sulla Marrucina, I was welcomed warmly by Marina Cvetic personally. I guess it was my luck that the offices were closed for lunch. Inside Abruzzo wasn’t even a seed at that time but it was this meeting and my first encounter with Gianni Masciarelli which followed a couple of days later, one of the motivating factors for beginning the project.

It wasn’t the fact that anyone suggest I use my experience in the web sector or roots as a tie to the region in order to begin with such a project but rather, the drive and passion of a couple who have worked relentlessly to promote the region they love and believe in. I guess you can say it rubbed off and I haven’t looked back since.

Azienda Agricola Masciarelli doesn’t have a typical tasting room and sales point open daily for tourists but that surely doesn’t mean that wine lovers will be turned away at the door. But it surely wouldn’t hurt to make an appointment in advance if you happen to be in a group. The Masciarelli team would be more than happy to show you around the winery and organise a tasting of their fine wines. And yes, it is possible to purchase cases of their wine direct. Angela, the Export Manager speaks three languages fluently (Italian, German and English) so nobody will feel left out.

What Gianni and Marina have built up is one of Italy’s top wineries and the only one in Italy who has received the coveted “Tre Bicchieri” (Three Glasses) from Gambero Rosso fourteen, yes fourteen, times in a row for a single wine: the internationally acclaimed Villa Gemma. A feat which not even Angelo Gaja has matched to date. Not to mention the myriad of awards they have received for their other fine labels such as Masciarelli Classico, Marina Cvetic, Castello di Semivicoli and ISKRA, which was launched in 2007.

The winery is modern and painstakingly designed to the last detail; exactly what one would expect from a couple who strive for excellence in every aspect of their activities. Their latest project, the renovation and conversion of the Palazzo Baronale di Semivicoli into a luxury hotel, is proof of that.

Via Gamberale, 1
66010 San Martino sulla Marrucina (CH)

Hours of operation:
Open year round

Telephone: +39.0871.85241
Telefax: +39.0871.85330

Website: www.masciarelli.it
E-Mail: info@masciarelli.it