Tasting Notes – Marina Cvetic 2003 & 2004, Masciarelli
Marina Cvetic, Montepulciano d’Abruzzo (double whammy)
2003 and 2004 vintages
Wines tasted on February 11, 2010
By: Daniele del Gesso, Sommelier
2003 Marina Cvetic
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
Producer: Az. Agrl. Masciarelli
It was tough to tame this wine in the first years, but intense nonetheless even when closed, but now (2010) it’s absolutely stunning. You should still give it some time to breathe and if you do, you’ll be rewarded with a medley of intense aromas such as berries, spices, chocolate and light licorice – think ripe, full aroma. Great oak integration. Silky smooth on the palate but still enough acidity to consider this wine fresh and still keepin’ ON! Gret quality:price relation (ca. € 15,00, $USD 30,00 ). If you can find it, don’t hesitate to buy. Not your typical Pizza & Pasta Montepulciano d’Abruzzo… just think, the next jump in the Masciarelli scale is the Villa Gemma (€50,00, $USD 90-100).
2004 Marina Cvetic
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
Producer: Az. Agrl. Masciarelli
Deep ruby red with very slight transparency at the core, almost opaque. The nose is intense and complex with a méli-mélo of ripe blackberries and cherries, lightly spicy with vanilla undertones, definitely not overbearing. It’s full bodied and silky on followed by warmth at the mid-palate (my bottle was a tad too warm which made the alcohol that much more present), therefore drinking at proper temp is recommended… mine was 20 degrees celsius. 2 or 3 degrees less will surely make a difference. Good length, well balanced and nice tannin integration – figure, I popped and poured, letting this wine breathe will only add to its enjoyment. Eat with roasted meat, even if you’re a vegetarian 
