Aromas of fresh red cherry, earl grey tea and thyme. Medium-bodied with bright acidity. Nicely layered chocolate and dried-herb character atop the bed of black fruit. Generous, with a fresh finish. Drink now.
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La Valentina is a leading example of the modern renaissance of winemaking in Abruzzo. The region has a history as a source of inexpensive bulk wine production, but a new generation of winemakers have dedicated themselves to harnessing the excellent terroir to produce high quality rather than high quantity—and La Valentina is at the forefront of this movement.
Rather than turning to international grape varieties or varieties that are more at home in other regions, the Di Properzio brothers remain true to the traditional varieties associated with Abruzzo: Montepulciano and Trebbiano Abruzzese, along with a time-honored but almost forgotten variety, Pecorino. The shift in focus is not in the grapes but in the way they are grown and vinified.
It all starts with the land, and in addition to vineyards close to the winery, La Valentina has acquired several vineyard sites that are located at higher elevations in the foothills of the Apennines, near a national park in pristine conditions. In all their vineyards, the Di Properzios have made a strong commitment to sustainability—avoiding the use of artificial or chemical products, ensuring maximum biodiversity, and relying on minimal intervention in the land’s natural processes. To this end, all the estate vineyards have been certified organic since 2016.
La Valentina’s winemaking is managed by consulting enologist Luca D’Attoma, who joined the winery team in 1998. The winery’s philosophy is to intervene as little as possible in the natural wine growing processes, adhering to the concept that high-quality wine “has the mark of the vine on its grapes.” By ensuring that the land remains highly fertile and keeping the plants healthy, they are able to fight off parasites and disease on their own and express themselves fully and produce the healthiest possible grapes of the absolute highest quality. The emphasis on sustainability continues in the winery where they use electricity only from renewable sources and practicing water-saving procedures.
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LA VALENTINA TREBBIANO D’ABRUZZO DOC
The white entry in La Valentina’s Classica line is this Trebbiano d’Abruzzo, made from mostly Trebbiano Abruzzese grapes—a superior type of Trebbiano. |
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LOCATIONWINERY: Spoltore (Pescara province), Abruzzo VINEYARD: Pescara province, Abruzzo VIEW IN GOOGLE MAPS REGION DETAILS |
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91
AUGUST 2022
La Valentina Montepulciano d’Abruzzo DOC 2020
Aromas of fresh red cherry, earl grey tea and thyme. Medium-bodied with bright acidity. Nicely layered chocolate and dried-herb character atop the bed of black fruit. Generous, with a fresh finish. Drink now. 92
MAY 2023
La Valentina Pecorino Colline Pescaresi IGT 2022
Pleasant blend of ripe yellow citrus and savory notes on the nose. Medium-bodied with the same balance on the palate, adding a bitter lemon note as the palate progresses, making for a savory finish. Salt and marsiglia in the aftertaste. Lots going on. From organically grown grapes. If you don’t know pecorino whites, here’s a good place to start. Enjoy now. 94
JUNE 2023
La Valentina “Bellovedere” Montepulciano d’Abruzzo Terre dei Vestini Riserva DOC 2020
Right from the start you get the idea of a balanced and complex wine, exuding aromas of spicy red and black berries, pressed flowers, perfumed minerals and a hint of red licorice. Full-bodied with a very fine, velvety mouthfeel and just the right amount of riserva-style vanilla, allowing the fruit to roam freely. The tannins are nicely poised and the finish is long. Nicely layered with no jagged edges. Drinkable now, but best from 2025. 89
JUNE 2021
La Valentina Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo DOC 2020
The 2020 Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo charms with a delicate display of wild strawberries, nuanced florals and hints of stone dust. It’s a vibrant and juicy effort that fleshes out across the palate with mineral-tinged fruits and savory spice. A buzz of residual acids lingers, forcing the mouth to water, as this tapers off to hard red candies and inner rose tones. The 2020 La Valentina is a spirited Cerasuolo for poolside sipping 93
JUNE 2021
La Valentina “Bellovedere” Montepulciano d’Abruzzo Terre dei Vestini Riserva DOC 2016
Aromas of dark fruit, mushrooms, flowers and spices. It’s full-bodied with chewy tannins. Chalky texture in the mouth. Juicy and spicy. Flavorful finish with some length. Drink or hold. 90
OCTOBER 2022
La Valentina “Spelt” Montepulciano d’Abruzzo Riserva DOC 2018
The aromatics on the 2018 Montepulciano d’Abruzzo Riserva Spelt captivate, expertly mixing crushed cherries with autumnal spice, dried citrus peels and hints of shaved cedar. It takes a turn toward the savory spectrum on the palate, drenching the senses with mineral-tinged, tart red berries and grippy tannins that mount toward the close. A coating of primary concentration further accentuates the wine's structured feel as it finishes long, with hints of blackberries and lavender left behind. The 2018 doesn’t possess the power of the best vintages; however, with a short stay in the cellar, it should drink beautifully for a number of years. 92
JULY 2023
La Valentina “Spelt” Montepulciano d’Abruzzo Riserva DOC 2019
Black fruit, roasted hazelnuts, coffee, grilled herbs and some balsamic on the nose. Medium to full body with firm, grainy tannins. Compact and firm finish with dark-fruited, toasty character. Drink or hold. SEPTEMBER 2021
La Valentina "Spelt" Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo DOC Superiore 2020
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