A Morning Tasting at Fattoria La Valentina

On day two of touring Abruzzo vineyards, we started at Fattoria La Valentina which is located in Spoltore in the Pescara province. One of the owners, Sabatino Di Properzio met our group and took us out to tour the estate Bellovedere Vineyard before our tasting. The vineyard sits just a couple of miles from the Adriatic Sea, that coupled with the cool mountain breezes brings out the best the grapes have to offer.

He felt it was important to share that the vines are all pergola trained. Their goal is to intervene as little as possible although the vineyard does have water misters which are only used as needed for troubled spots. The oldest vines are 47 years old, they use what he called "a French approach" changing out plants only as needed. The vineyard is sustainably managed.

In the winery, they prefer small French oak barrels with a low toast. The Binomial, one of their single vineyard wines, is refined in barrique. Sabatino Di Properzio says, "Barriques are used to obtain the best from a wine not to add flavor."

The partners continue with plans to expand by increasing their vineyard holdings.

The tasting:

The Spelt label is their attempt to link the Germanic background of the area to the wine. It is based both on legend and history.

La Valentina Pecorino 2017 - Fresh, vibrant, concentrated zippy citrus aromas and flavors, round feel with a slightly creamy finish.

La Valentina Spelt Trebbiano d'Abruzzo Superiore 2017 - Light, fresh and crisp wit a red apple nuance and a mineral laced finish.

La Valentina Spelt Cerasuola 2017 - Fragrant fruity ripe red berries with a pithy finish, dry, full body, lightly tannic, with clean, crisp acidity.

La Valentina Spelt Montepulciano d'Abruzzo 2014 - Aromas and flavors of sweet mixed berries with a spicy note, a more rustic style, more tannic.

Binomio Montepulciano d'Abruzzo 2014 - Sabatino Di Properzio described this wine as the mountain expression of their two single vineyard wines. Rich and concentrated with dark fruit, blackberries, plum, black pepper, ripe tannins and a raspberry finish.

La Valentina Bellovedere Montepulciano d'Abruzzo 2013 - Sabatino Di Properzio described this wine as the coastal expression of their two single vineyard wines. Floral with dried herbs over mouth filling flavors of mixed berries with a slight saline minerality.

Spelt Montepulciano d'Abruzzo 2003 - From a hotter vintage, this wine displayed more tobacco, dried herbs with a hint of balsamic over black plum.

La Valentina Bellovedere Montepulciano d'Abruzzo 2006 - Floral notes of violet with ripe red plum, dried herbs and a hint of balsamic with a bigger structure, full body, velvety tannins and a persistent finish. My favorite red in the tasting.

Binomio Montepulciano d'Abruzzo 2000 - Smoky tobacco, sandalwood, dried plum with a sherry note in the lingering finish.

A surprise wine with lunch:
La Valentina Auha Fiano - Floral and fruity with jasmine, apricot and grapefruit with a fresh, lingering finish.

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