Award-winning complexity in every bottle
La Valentina’s Flagship Red
When you want to showcase what Montepulciano d’Abruzzo can truly achieve, you pour Spelt Riserva. This isn’t just another Italian red—it’s La Valentina’s statement wine, earning 92+ points from Vinous, 93 points from James Suckling, and recognition from critics worldwide.
The Spelt Story
First crafted in 1987, Spelt Riserva represents three decades of refinement. The name honors an ancient grain that thrives in Abruzzo’s hills—a metaphor for this wine’s deep roots in local terroir and tradition. The 2020 vintage showcases everything that makes this wine special: gentle power, elegant structure, and remarkable food compatibility.
Vineyard Selection
This isn’t bulk production. Spelt Riserva comes from carefully selected parcels across La Valentina’s best sites:
- 20 hectares across Spoltore, San Valentino, and Scafa districts
- Altitude range: 150-400 meters above sea level
- Vine age: 10-47 years old (complexity comes with age)
- Yield: Just 50 hectoliters per hectare (half of the DOC allowance)
- Hand-harvested from early October when phenolic ripeness peaks
Winemaking Excellence
The 2020 vintage showcases La Valentina’s balanced approach to premium winemaking:
- Three-week fermentation in stainless steel with extended maceration
- 16-month aging split between vessels:
- 25-hectoliter Slavonian oak barrels (traditional)
- Barriques and tonneaux (complexity)
- Both new and second-passage barrels (balance)
- Final refinement: Additional months in a large oak, then bottle aging
- 65,000 bottles annually (including magnums and larger formats)
Tasting the 2020 Vintage
Appearance: Deep, concentrated ruby with garnet highlights—immediately impressive
Aroma: Complex and evolving—dark cherries and plums mingle with leather, tobacco, herbs, and subtle spice. There’s elegance here despite the intensity, with each swirl revealing new nuances.
Palate: This is where Spelt Riserva truly shines. Soft, velvety mouthfeel carries elegant tannins that support rather than dominate. Dark fruit flavors (blackberry, cherry, plum) integrate beautifully with earth, herbs, and oak-derived complexity. The structure is firm yet refined—robust without being heavy.
Finish: Long, pure, and satisfying—the mark of serious wine
Gastronomic Excellence
Spelt Riserva’s gentle structure makes it exceptionally food-friendly:
- Red meat: Grilled lamb, beef brasato, or local arrosticini
- Game: Wild boar, venison, or duck preparations
- Pasta: Rich ragù sauces, porcini preparations, or truffle dishes
- Cheese: Aged Pecorino, Parmigiano-Reggiano, or local Abruzzo cheeses
- Special occasions: Perfect for essential dinners or celebrations
Award Recognition
The consistent quality speaks for itself:
- 2020: 92 pts Vinous, 93 pts James Suckling, 93 pts Falstaff
- 2019: 92 pts James Suckling, 91 pts Wine Enthusiast
- 2018: 93 pts Falstaff
- 2017: 92 pts Vinous, 4 Viti AIS, 94 pts Veronelli
- Multiple Tre Bicchieri awards from Gambero Rosso
Why Spelt Riserva Matters
In a world where many premium Italian reds prioritize power over elegance, Spelt Riserva achieves both. This wine proves that gentle structure and complex flavors create more memorable experiences than aggressive extraction and excessive oak.
The 2020 vintage represents the peak expression of La Valentina’s philosophy: respect for terroir, thoughtful winemaking, and unwavering focus on gastronomic compatibility.
Investment Quality
With proven aging potential and consistent critical acclaim, Spelt Riserva offers:
- Collectibility: Limited production ensures exclusivity
- Aging potential: Structure suggests 10+ year development
- Value proposition: Exceptional quality at accessible pricing
- Restaurant appeal: Perfect for wine lists seeking Italian excellence
Availability
- Standard bottles: 65,000 annually
- Large formats: Magnums (1.5L), Double Magnums (3L), and Jeroboams (4.5L)
- Perfect for: Fine dining, wine collections, special occasions
- Import opportunity: Available for Dutch distribution
Experience why critics consistently rate this among Italy’s finest Montepulcianos.
