WINE INFORMATION
Fattoria Le Terrazze belongs to the Terni family. It was established in 1882 on the foothills of Monte Conero. The farm is perched on a hilltop less than two kilometers from the Adriatic coast and is composed of a large 18th century building where wines are aged along with a more modern wine production building. The 1980’s marked the turning point in the winery when Antonio and Georgina transformed the property into one of the most important examples of its kind in the Conero area. In 1995 they decided to plant an experimental vineyard with the idea of producing new clones of the Montepulciano grape variety and between 1999 and 2001 most of the old vineyards were replanted with these new clones. There are currently 37 acres under vine.
The winery produces just two wines made entirely from Montepulciano grapes. This wine, Fattoria Le Terrazze Rosso Conero DOC is ready for sale after a year’s aging in wood barrels while the Sassi Nera DOCG Riserva is aged longer in both barrel and bottle. The Rosso Conero grapes grow on calcareous-clay and sandy soils. Grapes are fermented in stainless steel and aging takes place in large wooden casks of 20-40 hectoliters.
Le Terrazze is a practicing organic producer. They use integrated insect and disease control in the vineyards. Cover crops between the rows of vines help fertilize and prevent erosion and the soil is never tilled. Only organic fertilizers are used when necessary, but these instances are rare – not fertilizing helps keep the production low. Low doses of SO2 are used in the wines to help preserve them during shipping and in the marketplace.
TASTING NOTES
This wine gives ripe, dark cherry and baking spice aromas. Medium bodied to medium plus in weight, it is nicely integrated and velvety on the palate with ripe dark cherries, blackberries, and plum preserves complemented by minerality, underbrush and herbs. The texture is supple and elegant.
FOOD PAIRING
Try this wine with classic Italian dishes using proteins such as lamb, game birds, braised or roasted meats, venison, wild boar or meat sauce. Vegetarians can pair mushrooms, grilled or roasted vegetables or risotto with this wine. It will partner well with a steak and will complement tomato-based sauces or reductions.
Duck, Grilled preparations, Lamb, Red Meat, Roasted Root Vegetables, Tomato Sauce, Wild Game