Reviews & Ratings

2015 La Valentina Italy (Other Regional Reds) "Spelt Riserva"

Winery: La Valentina

Vintage: 2015

Wine Name/Vineyard: "Spelt Riserva"

Wine Category: Italy (Other Regional Reds)

Grape blend: 100% Montepulciano

Bottle size: 750 ml

Region: Montepulciano d'Abruzzo

State or country: Italy

Price: $22

Cases produced: 11,000

KWG Score: 90 (based on 4 reviews)

Ken's Wine Rating: Very Good+ (91)

Review date: February 5, 2020

Wine Review: This very dark ruby colored wine from La Valentina opens with an inviting black cherry bouquet with hints of dark chocolate and oak. On the palate, this wine is medium bodied, balanced and smooth. The flavor profile is a very refined minerality (stone dust) combined with red plum and mild black cherry. There are also some notes of cedar and hints of oregano and black tea mixed in. The finish is dry and its moderate tannins build-up and stick around for quite some time. I would decant this very good Montepulciano in the near term and pair it with beef bourguignon. Enjoy – Ken

Winemaker Notes: The Spelt Montepulciano d'Abruzzo represents a fuller-bodied version of this traditional wine compared with the Classica line. It is made with the first selection of Montepulciano grapes from the vineyards. In addition, all of the wine for Spelt is aged in wood, for a total of 18 months. The result is a more robust and complex wine. Pair with lamb chops or pasta with ragu sauce.

Buy it: Use 1000 Corks to find stores that sell La Valentina 2015 Spelt Riserva.