Wines Rosso Conero Vecchio Marone - Edizione Privata - 2017

Viniou Reviews

Vecchio Marone Rosso Conero 2017 is a compelling red wine from the Marche region of Italy, crafted as a special private edition cuvée. In Rosso Conero, the star grape is Montepulciano—often blended with a touch of Sangiovese—resulting in a wine of notable structure, depth, and Mediterranean character. The 2017 vintage benefited from a warm, stable growing season, allowing for excellent ripening and concentration. Vinification typically involves a careful selection of hand-harvested grapes with fermentation in stainless steel or concrete vats to retain purity of fruit, followed by maturation, often in oak barrels, to bring complexity and softness to the tannins. The result is a dry red wine showing intense ruby hues, aromas of ripe black cherries, plums, spice, and subtle herbal undertones, with a palate that balances freshness, supple tannins, and a long, savory finish.

The Marche, stretching along the Adriatic coast and bordered by the Apennines, is one of Italy’s most picturesque and diverse wine regions. Its history of viticulture dates back to Roman times, with monks and noble families further developing the vine-growing tradition throughout the Middle Ages. The clay-limestone soils of the Conero area, combined with the influence of sea breezes and a temperate climate, provide ideal conditions for Montepulciano to thrive—yielding wines that are generous yet vibrant, with a distinctive coastal freshness.

For food pairings, this Rosso Conero shines alongside local Marche specialties such as vincisgrassi (a rich lasagna with meat ragù and béchamel), wild boar ragù, roast lamb with rosemary, or grilled sausages. The juicy fruit notes and fresh acidity also make it a great companion for aged cheeses like pecorino, rustic mushroom dishes, or even porchetta. For a vegetarian option, try it with eggplant parmigiana or lentil stew.

Serve this wine at a temperature of 16-18°C, ideally after 30 minutes of aeration to allow its bouquet to fully open. In its current youth, it displays generous fruit and balance, but it will also reward a few more years of cellaring for greater complexity and integration.