2016 Rosso Conero Sassi Neri Riserva

In the early 2000s, Antonio and Georgina Terni of the historic Fattoria Le Terrazze put the Conero region on the international wine map. This was the result of over a decade’s worth of research into clones, reorganizing and replanting within the vineyards, but also a progressive way of looking at the region and what was possible there. Montepulciano was and is the primary focus, but with a willingness to experiment with international varieties, including Merlot, Syrah and most recently, Chardonnay. While I’m personally more of a fan of the Rosso Conero, which is completed in large neutral oak and showcases the purity of the variety, the vineyard selection and barrique-aged Sassi Neri Riserva is worthy of collectors’ attention. We also mustn’t forget “Chaos,” Antonio Terni’s inspired blend of Montepulciano, Merlot and Syrah made in an international style. It’s impossible to ignore, with a label befitting its name, but also an excellent blending of native and international grapes.