Miriam Lee Masciarelli

Masciarelli Wines: A Family Legacy Creates a Bold Future in Abruzzo

or wine lovers who appreciate authenticity and a story in every bottle, Masciarelli Tenute Agricole in Abruzzo, Italy, provides a special experience that leads to a delicious memory. Today, the Mascirelli estate is led by Miriam Lee Masciarelli, a vibrant force who carries forward, and continues to evolve the pioneering vision of her late father, the legendary Gianni Masciarelli who was a true game-changer.
In 1981, starting with just six acres (about 2.5 hectares) in San Martino sulla Marrucina, Gianni Masciarelli set out to prove that Abruzzo’s native grapes, especially Montepulciano and Trebbiano, could rival the world’s best. At a time when the region was mostly known for bulk wine, Gianni dared to think differently. He championed innovations like Guyot vine training for better fruit and experimented with French oak barrels for aging, unusual choices in the region at the time. His boldness helped spark a quality revolution in Abruzzo, elevating Montepulciano d’Abruzzo to international prestige and proving the aging potential of these once-underestimated grapes.
When Gianni passed away unexpectedly in 2008 from a heart attack, his legacy was carried forward by his wife, Marina Cvetić, a celebrated winemaker and the namesake of one of the estate’s standout labels, along with their daughter, Miriam. Born in 1987, Miriam was in her early 20s and still studying Economics and Management at LUISS University in Rome when she stepped into a leadership role alongside her mother.
Together, they didn’t just preserve Gianni’s legacy, they expanded it. Today, under Miriam’s leadership as CEO, Masciarelli Tenute Agricole spans over 741 acres (about 300 hectares) of vineyards, making it the only winery present in all four provinces of Abruzzo: Chieti, Teramo, Pescara, and L’Aquila. This geographic diversity allows the estate to craft wines that reflect the full range of Abruzzo’s “terroir,” from the sun-drenched Adriatic coast to the cool, mineral-rich slopes of the Apennines.
The portfolio is both expansive and expressive, showcasing a diverse range of wines. The most distinguished offerings include the flagship Villa Gemma line, particularly the Montepulciano d’Abruzzo Riserva, widely recognized as a benchmark for the style. The internationally inspired Marina Cvetić collection and the refined selections from Castello di Semivicoli further enhance its prestige. Notably, the Villa Gemma Montepulciano Riserva has earned 14 consecutive “Tre Bicchieri” awards from Gambero Rosso, a remarkable testament to its unwavering excellence.
Sustainability is a cornerstone of Miriam’s vision. A large portion of the vineyards is organically farmed, and the winery is increasingly adopting biodynamic practices. Masciarelli has also acquired the Chiamami quando Piove – Valori winery, known for its certified organic production. The estate holds ISO 14001:2015 and EMAS certifications—concrete proof of its commitment to environmental responsibility.

Rising to Modern Challenges

Even for a celebrated estate like Masciarelli, today’s wine world presents new challenges:

🌡️ Climate Change:
Abruzzo isn’t immune to the effects of global warming—rising temperatures, unpredictable weather, and extreme events like hail or drought all threaten vineyard health. Masciarelli is countering these risks through organic and biodynamic farming, as well as water and energy optimization—smart strategies for long-term resilience.
💰 International Trade & Tariffs:
The specter of U.S. tariffs on European wines has loomed in recent years, at times reaching 20–25%. While no such tariff is currently in place as of May 31, 2025, the volatility of international trade keeps producers on their toes. During past threats, Italian wine exports were estimated to risk losses of up to €1 billion. In response, producers like Masciarelli are strengthening relationships with importers, emphasizing premium positioning, and exploring emerging markets.
🍷 Shifting Consumer Preferences:
As drinking habits evolve, with younger generations showing interest in a wider range of beverages (including non-alcoholic options), wineries are challenged to stay relevant. Masciarelli is responding by highlighting fresher styles, like Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo rosé and investing heavily in wine tourism. the estate’s wines, values, and story.

InMyPersonalOpinion.Life

In the rugged heart of Abruzzo, where the Apennines meet the Adriatic, Masciarelli Tenute Agricole continues to craft wines of depth, and distinction.

2018 Villa Gemma Montepulciano d’Abruzzo Riserva. Grape: 100% Montepulciano d’Abruzzo. Vinification: The grapes are meticulously hand-harvested from 30-year-old vines in San Martino sulla Marrucina, originating from the historic 12-acre Colle Cave home vineyard, established in 1930.

The vines are planted in dense Guyot rows to limit yield, ensuring high quality fruit. Following extended maceration and fermentation in stainless steel, the wine is aged for 18–24 months in new French oak barriques, then matured further in bottle.

Tasting Note:

This wine reveals a deep garnet core with a slight ruby rim. It opens with aromas of ripe black cherry liqueur, dried figs, crushed violets, tobacco leaf, and cocoa. The palate is rich yet impeccably balanced, featuring velvety tannins and layered flavors of dark fruit, spice, and earth.
On the palate, it is full-bodied and well-structured. The velvety, integrated tannins wrap around a dense core of dark plum, blackberry compote, and bitter chocolate. The mid-palate reveals a savory note of black olives, complemented by cedar and a subtle hint of cured meat. A subtle vein of wet stone and volcanic ash imparts a mineral complexity, culminating in a deep, lingering finish.

2. 2023 Villa Gemma Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo. Grape: 100% Montepulciano d’Abruzzo. Vinification: Crafted via brief skin contact (12–24 hours) to achieve its signature hue and flavor complexity. Fermented in stainless steel, aged on fine lees for enhanced texture and aromatics.

Tasting Note:

A radiant cherry-pink hue hints at the notes of wild strawberry, pomegranate, rose petal and fresh herbs, creating an enticing aromatic bouquet. The palate is bright and energetic, offering a seamless balance of juicy red fruit, subtle spice, and a refined minerality that lends depth. A touch of zesty acidity carries through to a savory, saline-tinged finish, making this rosé effortlessly refreshing and remarkably food-friendly.

3. 2019 Marina Cvetić Trebbiano d’Abruzzo Riserva. Grape: 100% Trebbiano d’Abruzzo. Vinification: Fermented and aged in new French oak barriques for 12 months, followed by an additional 12 months in bottle, with regular bâtonnage. This approach builds depth, texture, and complexity, far beyond the expectations of typical Trebbiano.

Tasting Note:


Golden straw in the glass, this is a bold and expressive white with aromas of baked apple, lemon curd, toasted hazelnut, and acacia honey. Oak aging brings a creamy texture, beautifully balanced by bright acidity and a mineral undertone.

4. 2019 Iskra Montepulciano d’Abruzzo Riserva. Grape: 100% Montepulciano d’Abruzzo. Vinification: Sourced from high-elevation vineyards in Controguerra (Teramo province). Fermented in stainless steel, then aged 12–18 months in French oak (barriques and tonneaux), followed by bottle aging.

Tasting Note:

Visually, the wine presents an inky ruby to garnet hue, which hints at its richness and depth. This darkness in appearance suggests a wine with concentrated flavors, firm tannins, and a structured profile. The wine presents intense aromatics and layered complexity with notes of black plum, graphite, balsamic herbs, and espresso. Look forward to a long savory finish.