Plum, blackberry, bay leaf and spices on the nose. It’s medium-to full-bodied with firm, sleek tannins. Juicy with lively acidity and a fruity, spicy 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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92
JUNE 2021
La Valentina Montepulciano d’Abruzzo DOC 2018
Plum, blackberry, bay leaf and spices on the nose. It’s medium-to full-bodied with firm, sleek tannins. Juicy with lively acidity and a fruity, spicy finish. Drink now. 89
APRIL 2022
La Valentina Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo DOC 2021
The 2021 Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo is sweetly scented with white strawberries, dusty rose and a hint of confectioners’ sugar. It envelopes the palate in silken textures, as ripe red fruits give way to inner florals and hints of spice. Nuances of licorice and cherry linger as this finishes fresh. 92
SEPTEMBER 2021
La Valentina Pecorino Colline Pescaresi IGT 2020
As always here, there’s a friendly balance of fruity (apple and citrus) and savory (dry mineral and lightly salted almond) elements, which drift down the road together on the medium palate in perfect harmony, supported by exact acidity and the lightest-of-light phenolic framework. Nothing aggressive, just well structured and delicious. From organically grown grapes. 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. 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. 93
JUNE 2023
La Valentina “Spelt” Montepulciano d’Abruzzo Riserva DOC 2020
Very cedary on the nose at first, so give it a swirl to allow the rich red fruit and floral notes to give you a proper introduction to this full-bodied and solid red. The cedary element is present throughout, but there’s plenty of fruit to counter it. Firm tannins kick in midway and give some astringency to finish, which will smoothen with some more time in bottle. Give it another year, or even two. Try from 2025. 93
SEPTEMBER 2021
La Valentina "Spelt" Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo DOC Superiore 2020
The very dark pink color announces a light red, but this is in fact a full-blown rosé with lots of lightly candied cherry and raspberry character, together with a full body, lightly firm tannins and plenty of juicy flavor, driving long and hard into a persistent, fruity finish. Call it what you like, it’s outstanding. From organically grown grapes. Drink now. 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. |