2018 Rosso Conero

If I had to name one red wine producer in Le Marche with the potential to take things to the next level, it would be Le Terrazze. The terroir is second to none, with rocky, hillside vineyards situated at around 500 meters on Monte Conero, overlooking the Adriatic coastline. I’ve followed these wines for as long as I’ve studied Italy. I have always been a fan of the 100% Montepulciano Rosso Conero, which is completed in large neutral oak. The wine showcases the purity of the variety, and happens to be Le Terrazze's entry-level red. However, it’s the bigger reds, which in the past have been shrouded in oak, that have stopped short of their full potential. The good news is that the recent vintages (2017 and 2018) of the Conero Riserva Sassi Neri and Chaos , a blend of Montepulciano, Merlot and Syrah, during my tastings were both showing significantly more varietal purity than usual. This may be an effort to bring more freshness to these wines. If that’s the case, and with two good-very good vintages ahead of us, in the form of 2019 and 2020, then it may just be Le Terrazze’s time to shine. Only time will tell.