Rosso Conero
The roots of wine production in Marca Dorica (the Conero area) can be dated back to the 10th century BC, during the Etruscan period. Since then, wine growing has gradually developed by improving the quality of Conero wine product.
Rosso Conero is mainly made with Montepulciano grapes, even if the Production Specifications give the opportunity to add Sangiovese grapes for a quantity of no more than 15%. Almost all the producers use pure Montepulciano.
The geographical reference point of the production area is Mt. Conero promontory facing the Adriatic Sea, in the south-east of Ancona, and the degrading hills. It involves seven Municipalities - Ancona, Camerano, Numana, Offagna, Sirolo and in part Castelfidardo and Osimo - for a total of 200 hectares of vineyards. A niche area characterized by different soils, with the marls and calcareous marls of the mountain spurs, the clays and marly clays of Camerano and Osimo and the sands of Offagna area. The climate, characterized by dry summers and mild autumns, helps a lot in the production of the unmistakable red nectar.
Consorzio per la tutela del Rosso Conero was born in 1966 and includes all the local producers. The Controlled Designation of Origin (DOC) was obtained in 1967 and after it the typology "Riserva", for which two ageing years from the 31st March following the grapes production are necessary. The latest quality acknowledgement has been the Controlled and Guaranteed Designation of Origin (DOCG): the publication in the Official Journal of the specifications is scheduled within summer 2004, while the Controlled and Guaranteed Designation of Origin writing can be included in the label only two years after the publication.
Rosso Conero is characterized by an intense ruby red color, and its fragrances remind red fruits like blackberries and cherries, with spiced and balsamic notes. The minimum alcoholic content is 11.5°, while for the "Riserva" is one degree more.
It is advisable to drink it after two or three years of ageing and its structure gives the possibility to preserve it also longer, up to six/seven years for the "Riserva".
It suits well charcuterie from the Marches and pasta flavored with meat sauce, game sauce, braised meat, and it is ideal with pecorino di fossa cheese.
Let's discover the reason why, in a microclimate which is continuously revived by the marine breeze, every Rosso Conero is worth a tasting! If you want to organize an itinerary along La Strada del Rosso Cònero, please contact the Visitor Center of Consorzio Parco del Cònero by calling the number 071/9331879.
