ITALIAN WINE WORLD MOUNRS GIANNI MASCIARELLI, ONE OF THE MOST IMPROTANT PRODUCERS IN THE COUNTRY

Gianni Masciarelli, one of the most important winemakers in Italy, died suddenly during a visit to Monaco di Baviera on July 31st. Born 53 years ago in San Martino della Marrucina, a small town in the province of Chieti, he lived for two loves: that for wine, and, above all, for his companion Marina Cvetic, a chemical engineer from Belgrade. He also leaves behind three children, one of which is barely a year old.



GIANNI MASCIARELLI REMEMBERED BY WINENEWS

We really got to know Gianni Masciarelli at the end of 2003, initially for work related reasons. But even from the first encounter, when we visited his winery San Martino della Marrucina, it was immediately evident that the relationship would become something more than professional.

Because Gianni couldn’t stop at simple courtesies, which he, in fact, detested. He was not a man who was open to everyone, but when he did open up, he revealed what he really was: a generous man, sanguine, courageous and capable, and entrepreneurial. All of the traits that one could desire to find in a friend. And, in fact, that’s what he was for WineNews; a true friend that could be counted on.
Our last interview with him was on July 18th and, like always, his declarations were coherent with his personality: direct and in no way a circumstantial discussion.

We like to remember him like this sincere and proud with the desire to confront problems with effort and passion in order to resolve them.
He had said he wanted to return to Montalcino to visit us and the Abbazia di Sant’Antimo. In spite of the fact that he was not religious, Masciarelli had a sort of ‘fatal attraction’ to this abbey.

We hope, wherever he is, that he can enjoy the peace that was Sant’Antimo.