Masciarelli Iskra Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Riserva 2017

This fine estate is the passion of Gianni Maciarelli, who founded it in 1981, aged just 20. His aim was to promote the great wines of the region. His passion for vines was inherited from his grandfather, Umberto and his aim was to get Abruzzo's fine Montepulciano and Trebbiano wines onto the world stage. He exceeded his brief with these varieties and other native grapes in his extensive vineyards. They are planted in the region's four wine growing areas, the finest being Colline Teramo, from where fruit for this superb, ageworthy red are sourced. Sandy soils, plus hillside elevation result in long ripening and impressive intensity of fruit. 12 months in French oak barriques has lent a tobacco spice layer to the wine. Open early and decant.