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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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92
AUGUST 2020
La Valentina Pecorino Colline Pescaresi IGT 2019
 Lemon curd and light green apples with blanched almonds on the nose, following through to a full body with round, savory flavors and hints of salt and minerals. Drink now. 90
MAY 2020
La Valentina “Spelt” Montepulciano d’Abruzzo Riserva DOC 2016
 Bright red cherry melds with crushed granite and herbs on the nose of this red. The medium-bodied palate is juicy in a vibrant red-cherry flavor, with a line of crunchy tannins and vibrant acidity propping it up. 92
AUGUST 2019
La Valentina Montepulciano d’Abruzzo DOC 2017
Bright blackberries and blueberries are at the forefront on the nose. Medium-bodied with a persistent line of confident acidity and plenty of playful citrus and chestnut undertones. 93
APRIL 2020
La Valentina “Bellovedere” Montepulciano d’Abruzzo Terre dei Vestini Riserva DOC 2015
 This wine is only made in the best years when the Montepulciano grapes, harvested at the end of October, reach satisfactory ripeness. Then, the La Valentina 2015 Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Terre dei Vestini Riserva Bellovedere (with a mere 6,000 bottles produced) sees 18 months of oak aging, producing a balanced and fruit-forward expression. The wine shows the kind of soft ripeness and exuberance that is characteristic of this warm and sunny vintage. Celebrate it with a braised lamb. 90
NOVEMBER 2020
La Valentina “Spelt” Montepulciano d’Abruzzo Riserva DOC 2016
 A selection made from the estate's vineyards, at altitudes ranging from 150 to 400m above sea level, this Riserva was aged in a combination of new and used Slavonian oak barriques, barrels and tonneaux. It has a meaty, mulchy scent of dried fruits and autumnal fruits. In the mouth it is quite sticky and ripe, with some succulence tempered by chalky tannins. There's a streak of red fruit running through the plum and blackberry fruits, bordered by graphite and wood. The acidity keeps things in balance through to the finish. |
