Valle Martello Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, Italy

Description

Ripe black cherry, plum, and violet lead into 2024 Valle Martello Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, a generous yet balanced expression of Abruzzos signature red grape shaped by Adriatic breezes and mountain influence. Produced under the Valle Martello label by the winemaking team at Cantina Tollo, the wine reflects a cooperative legacy that has helped define modern Abruzzo viticulture while preserving the traditional character of Montepulciano. The 2024 vintage shows the estates ongoing commitment to expressive, accessible wines that carry forward the regions long-standing winemaking heritage.

Product Details:

• Owners: Cantina Tollo Cooperative Growers
• Winemaker: Various Cantina Tollo winemakers
• Grape: 100% Montepulciano
• ABV: 13%
• Farming: Sustainably farmed cooperative vineyards
• Vinification: Temperature-controlled fermentation in stainless steel with brief aging before bottling

Sensory Description:

2024 Valle Martello Montepulciano d’Abruzzo opens with aromas of black cherry, plum, blackberry, and violet layered with subtle notes of spice and earth. The palate delivers juicy dark fruit framed by gentle tannins and a smooth, medium-bodied structure. Montepulcianos natural depth gives the wine its generous fruit core while maintaining freshness through balanced acidity. The 2024 vintage in Abruzzo benefited from steady growing conditions that preserved both ripeness and structure, resulting in a wine that is immediately approachable yet capable of developing additional softness and complexity with several years of cellaring.

Winemakers Background:

Valle Martello is a label produced by Cantina Tollo, a cooperative founded in 1960 that has become one of the most influential wine producers in Abruzzo. Based in the hills near the Adriatic coast, the cooperative unites hundreds of local growers farming vineyards influenced by both maritime breezes and the nearby Apennine mountains. Over decades, Cantina Tollo has played a central role in elevating the reputation of Montepulciano d’Abruzzo through careful vineyard management and modern cellar practices while maintaining the traditional character of the regions wines. The Valle Martello range reflects this philosophy, offering wines that highlight the approachable fruit, structure, and regional identity of Abruzzos historic grape varieties.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve slightly below room temperature, around 60 to 64F, in a medium red wine glass to allow the fruit and spice aromatics to open gradually. Its supple tannins and generous fruit make it a natural match for pasta with tomato-based sauces, grilled sausages, roasted meats, pizza, and aged cheeses. While enjoyable upon release for its vibrant fruit, the wine can continue to soften and integrate over three to five years in the cellar.