Sassi Neri Conero Riserva DOCG - Le Terrazze

The Sassi Neri Conero Riserva DOCG - Le Terrazze presents itself in the glass with a deep, dense ruby red and dark reflections that almost verge on purple. The color appears clear and noble, already suggesting high concentration and fine structure. On the nose, a multi-layered bouquet unfolds that captures the soul of the Adriatic coast of the Marche. Ripe blackberry and dark plum are at the forefront, joined by black cherry and a hint of morello cherry. Fine notes of leather, tobacco leaf and a touch of liquorice round off the bouquet.

With a bit of air, further nuances emerge: a light tone of mocha, delicate roasted aromas, a hint of graphite and dried Mediterranean herbs. The result is a complex yet clear aromatic interplay that whets the appetite for the first sip. On the palate, the wine is dry, with dense, juicy fruit. Black cherry, blackberry and ripe plum form the core, framed by well-integrated oak and fine tannins.

The tannins are present, yet ripe and silky. They give structure without seeming harsh. A lively, but not sharp acidity provides freshness and length. The body is full, yet never heavy. This makes this red wine a strong companion for many dishes. The finish is long and precise, with echoes of dark fruit, leather and a hint of dark chocolate. With increasing bottle age the balsamic tones gain depth, while the fruit shows even more finesse.

The aromas of the wine can be divided into clear layers:

1. Fruit: juicy blackberry, dark plum, black cherry, a touch of cassis and ripe forest fruit.
2. Spice: fine leather note, a hint of liquorice, tobacco leaf, subtle pepper spice.
3. Roasted and maturity notes: mocha, cocoa, dark chocolate, lightly toasted oak.
4. Herbs: dried thyme, Mediterranean herbs, a hint of bay leaf.
5. Structure: silky, ripe tannin, well-judged acidity, harmonious, long aftertaste.

In the mouth, the wine appears clear, powerful and at the same time surprisingly elegant. The fruit is deep and juicy, but not sweet. The dry vinification emphasizes the structure and the fine spiciness. The harmony of fruit, spice and oak makes this Montepulciano an ideal wine for pleasurable evenings. In the magnum decanter, the Sassi Neri Conero Riserva DOCG - Le Terrazze develops even more depth; the dark fruits then seem almost creamy and recall preserved black cherries and blackberry jam.

With some bottle age, the hints of leather and tobacco become even more closely interwoven with the fruit. This creates a complex yet always clearly structured flavor profile. The wine offers excellent cellaring potential and rewards patience in the cellar with more finesse and elegance. In its youth it appears powerful and forceful; after a few years of bottle age it shows more tertiary notes such as undergrowth and truffle. In this way, the Sassi Neri Conero Riserva DOCG - Le Terrazze becomes a characterful wine that brings the Marche region to life in the glass.

Even in the context of an elaborate menu, this varietal Montepulciano is a reliable partner. Its dry style and multi-layered fruit allow for versatile pairings. The clear structure also supports robust aromas without tiring the palate. Those who appreciate red wines with depth, dark fruit and noble spice will find in the Sassi Neri Conero Riserva DOCG - Le Terrazze an ideal wine for sophisticated occasions, but also for quiet moments of enjoyment.

Vinification of Sassi Neri Conero Riserva DOCG by Le Terrazze

The grapes for this wine come from selected sites in the Conero area in the Marche. There the vines benefit from cool Adriatic breezes and abundant sunshine. The soils are rich in limestone and clay, which allows the vines to root deeply and ensures good water management. Planting density is high, so yields per vine are deliberately kept low. This way, each berry shows lots of aroma and a firm skin.

Only fully ripe Montepulciano grapes are used for the Sassi Neri Conero Riserva DOCG - Le Terrazze. Harvest is usually done by hand, plot by plot. A first selection already takes place in the vineyard. Only ripe grapes go into small crates in order to keep the berries intact. In the winery, a second check is carried out on the sorting table to remove leaves, stems and weaker berries.

The must is cold-macerated in advance to gently extract color and fruit. This is followed by temperature-controlled fermentation in stainless steel tanks. During this time, the cap is regularly punched down or pumped over. This allows tannins and pigments to dissolve slowly and evenly. Fermentation temperature remains moderate to preserve fruit and freshness.

After alcoholic fermentation, malolactic conversion follows, which rounds out the acidity and gives the wine more fullness. The wine then matures for many months, often longer, in wooden barrels. French oak barrels with varying degrees of toasting are usually used. They contribute notes of vanilla, mocha and subtle roasted aromas without overshadowing the fruit.

During maturation, the wine is moved only gently and racked lightly when necessary. This keeps the delicate aroma clear. Before bottling, the wine rests once more in tank so it can settle harmoniously. Only then is the Sassi Neri Conero Riserva DOCG - Le Terrazze bottled and continues to mature in the bottle until it shows its full potential.

Food recommendations for Sassi Neri Conero Riserva DOCG by Le Terrazze

This red wine is an ideal companion to hearty, aromatic dishes from Italian cuisine and far beyond. Its dense fruit and fine tannins make it a perfect partner for dishes with beef, lamb and game. Mature hard cheeses and spicy, slightly piquant dishes also pair very well with it.

The wine is particularly harmonious when dark fruit and roasted aromas are echoed in the dish. Grilled notes, braised flavors and herbs such as rosemary, thyme and sage emphasize this red wine’s strengths. Here are some concrete suggestions for home cooking or a grand menu:

• Beef cheeks in red wine sauce with polenta and glazed root vegetables
• Rack of lamb with herb crust, rosemary potatoes and oven-roasted tomatoes
• Tagliatelle with wild boar ragout, slowly braised with thyme and juniper
• Braised ox cheeks with celery purée and red wine shallots
• Grilled rib-eye steak with pepper sauce and grilled vegetables
• Roast haunch of venison from the oven with cranberries, Brussels sprouts and potato gratin
• Stone-oven pizza with salsiccia, red onions, olives and aged Pecorino
• Aged Pecorino, Parmigiano Reggiano or mature Comté, served with fresh baguette

Even with a simple yet refined snack of Italian salami, air-dried ham and olives, the Sassi Neri Conero Riserva DOCG - Le Terrazze cuts an excellent figure. Its structure carries the spice of the cured meats, while the dark fruit provides an exciting contrast. This turns every meal into a well-rounded moment of pleasure.

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