Masciarelli’s 2003 Montepulciano d’Abruzzo Villa Gemma is rich and deeply concentrated in its jammy blueberries, blackberries, spices and sweet toasted oak. Anything that might resemble varietal expression has been covered by an exuberant use of oak which has also left the wine with bitter, astringent tannins that mark the finish. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2018. Masciarelli produces a range of wines in a style that represents the most international expression of Abruzzo’s indigenous varieties. The wines are treated to lavish amounts of new oak which in many cases covers much of the varietal characteristics but at their best these can be interesting wines. Importer: Masciarelli Wine Company, Weymouth, MA; tel. (781) 335-6620