Gianni Masciarelli and his wife Marina Cvetic have been among the shining beacons of Abruzzo. For years, this beautiful land, with an abundance of sun, great soil and the easy-to-grow Montepulciano grape, had wallowed in mediocrity.

Gianni proved that through hard work, low yields, and a desire to be better, Abruzzo and the Montepulciano grape could produce world-class wines. The project is based in the tiny hamlet of San Martino, sitting pretty high above soft hills, which roll down to the plains and the sparkling blue of the Adriatic. Over the years, his limited production wines have reached cult status.