2012 Rosso Conero

The estate's main winery building dates back to 1882, a testament to the fact that viticulture was already important in the Conero area centuries ago. Clay- and sand-rich soils contribute to the production of powerful yet perfumed wines. The estate was completely renovated in the 1980s by current owners Giorgina and Antonio Terni, descendants of the same Terni family that launched Le Terrazze back in the 19th century. Today the estate owns roughly 20 hectares of vines and produces about 90,000 bottles a year from a mix of international and native grapes. The wines were long made in a rich, thick style that appeals to many international palates, but I am happy to report that the last few vintages have been characterized by more refined, lower-pH wines that don't require a knife and fork to taste. This year Le Terrazze presented a very impressive set of wines.