Abruzzo, Italy (Part I of IV) – A Private Tour of Masciarelli Winery

I have experienced a secret part of Italy. That’s right, a mysterious, less-frequented side to this beautiful and enchanting country that I remember with fondness and am eager to revisit soon. When you hear the word Italy, what places come to your mind? Maybe Rome and Venice or perhaps Florence and the region of Tuscany…these are sumptuous places, and yes I mean to use the word sumptuous because to experience them is like savoring amazing food. The culture, people, architecture and landscape is so rich and beautiful, it feels like you’ve had a delicious meal and you’re left full and joyous, yet eager for more, it was so good.

In the center of Italy and along the eastern coast is the region of Abruzzo. This rugged and mountainous countryside borders the more popular region of Lazio, where Rome is located. Taking the train from Rome to Pescara, I could see why the area is not as well-known.

The slow regional train is a long ride, taking about five hours winding through steep mountains and deep green valleys. Driving there from Rome only takes about three hours. These are good signs for the traveler seeking new destinations and desiring to escape the tourist crowds. And escape the tourist crowds I did, but not to what I was expecting… I was to be pleasantly surprised.

My discoveries revealed that this pristine and tranquil part of Italy is home to world-class wine making, luxurious castle accommodations, and modern dinning amidst eccentric art. Each of these cultured experiences came with an even deeper sense of enjoyment thanks to the area’s magical touch of ancient history and its precious remoteness from the rest of the world. Spread out amongst majestic snow-capped mountains, it felt more medieval here than other areas I had been to in Italy.

I would not have discovered these amazing characteristics if it had not been for the wonderful dear friends I was visiting in the region. The Di Cresenzo family, who have lived for generations in Abruzzo’s small village of San Martino sulla Marrucina, were my loving hosts and guides to discovering these treasures that I now get to introduce you to.

To truly enjoy Abruzzo, one must learn about the area’s renowned Masciarelli Wine. Since experience is in my opinion the best teacher, I jumped at the opportunity to have a private tour of the winery facility (in Italian called the Azienda Agricola Masciarelli), which is located in San Martino sulla Marrucina.

Arriving at the winery, I was immediately in love with its location that looks out onto a nearby mountain range that dominates the landscape in stone hues of blue and grey. In May, there were still patches of snow spread along the peaks. Blending in cozily along a hill-top, the modern facility does not have the more traditional appearance of a winery. Instead, it’s made of steel and glass windows, contrasted by white and yellow wildflowers. Just across the street is the stone home belonging to the Masciarelli Family themselves.

The wood barrels used for storing are of French Oak and other larger vats made of steel are used for the processing as well as for storing certain select wines. The grapes they harvest are from over 400 hectare of grapevines throughout the Abruzzo region (the equivalent of almost 1,000 acres), resulting in a creatively tasteful collaboration of the Trebbiano and Montepulciano grapes.

The founder of the Masciarelli winery, Gianni Masciarelli, has impacted the region and the world through the amazing legacy he left. He was a man who loved his land and demonstrated this through his industrious passion for making wine. Having passed away in 2008, his wife Marina Cvetic, and their three children, now carry on this flourishing business that is based on love and passion for the land, and its gifts. No wonder they are considered to be one of Italy’s best wine producers.

In 2000, they were awarded by Gambero Rosso Guide the Best Italian Red wine award in all Italy for their Montepulciano, Villa Gemma Rosso 1995. Then in 2004, Masciarelli was awarded by Gambero Rosso Guide the Best Italian winery and Winemaker in all Italy. Since their beginning in 1991, they have produced over 2 million bottles of wine.

The success of the Masciarelli Winery continues to be attributed to Gianni’s creed that his winery is founded on, “I do not sell wine, I sell emotions”. For him, truly good wine was not about selling or taste alone.

My sincere thanks and deep appreciation goes to the Di Cresenzo Family for their friendship and hosting me. And to the Masciarelli winery for their wonderful tour and a warm, welcoming experience.

This is not a sponsored post and I was in no way compensated for this review. My opions are, as always, my own.