Moroder, Rosso Conero Riserva 2017 (100% Montepulciano)

The Moroder family, proprietors of Azienda Agricola Moroder since the 18th century, have long been dedicated to producing wines that exemplify the rich viticultural heritage of the Conero region in Marche, Italy. Their flagship wine, 'Dorico' Rosso Conero Riserva 2017, is a testament to this commitment, crafted exclusively from 100% Montepulciano grapes. Produced only in exceptional vintages, this wine comes from their oldest vineyard, planted in 1968, ensuring depth and complexity in every bottle.

The vineyard’s unique terroir, influenced by its proximity to the Adriatic Sea and the calcareous clay soils of the Conero promontory, imparts distinctive qualities to the wine. The grapes are hand-harvested at optimal ripeness before undergoing spontaneous fermentation. The wine is then aged for thirty months in French oak tonneaux and barriques, followed by an additional twelve months of bottle maturation in the estate’s historic 18th-century cellars.

Appearance: The wine displays a deep, impenetrable ruby-red hue with brilliant garnet reflections, highlighting its concentration and aging potential. The core is nearly opaque, a sign of its richness and extracted intensity, while the rim fades gracefully to a lighter ruby, showing its evolution. When swirled, slow, thick legs form along the sides of the glass, indicating its full-bodied nature and well-structured alcohol content. The luminosity and clarity suggest precision in vinification, giving the wine a polished and refined presence. Its striking depth and colour saturation foreshadow the bold and layered experience to come.

Aroma: The nose is greeted with an intense and complex bouquet, featuring ripe black cherries, blackberries, and plums, intertwined with refined notes of tobacco, natural vanilla, and sweet spices. Delicate hints of underbrush, balsamic nuances, and cedar add layers of complexity. As the wine breathes, subtle undertones of leather, cocoa, and black pepper emerge, giving it an enticing and elegant aromatic profile.

Taste: On the palate, the wine is powerful yet impeccably balanced, offering a full-bodied structure with refined tannins. Flavours of dark fruit compote, ripe blackberries, and dried cherries are seamlessly integrated with well-judged oak influence, revealing notes of cocoa, cloves, and nutmeg. The wine’s vibrant acidity provides freshness, preventing it from feeling heavy, while a subtle mineral streak reinforces its terroir-driven character.

Finish: The finish is long, persistent, and elegantly structured, with black fruit and spice lingering gracefully on the palate. The tannins, though firm, are velvety and well-integrated, ensuring a smooth and refined aftertaste. As the flavours evolve, traces of dark chocolate, smoky oak, and a hint of graphite appear, adding an extra dimension. A final whisper of dried herbs and balsamic depth leaves an impression of finesse, promising great potential for further aging.

Food Pairing: The 'Dorico' Rosso Conero Riserva 2017 pairs exceptionally well with rich, structured dishes, such as braised lamb, roasted game meats, and aged steaks. Its bold character also complements hearty stews, truffle-infused pasta, and aged cheeses like Pecorino or Parmigiano Reggiano. To fully appreciate its complexity, decanting for at least 1-2 hours before serving at 18-20°C is highly recommended.

Recognised with prestigious awards, including a 90-point rating from 5StarWines - the Book - Vinitaly for the 2017 vintage, this wine stands as a benchmark for quality in Marche’s Conero DOCG. The 'Dorico' Rosso Conero Riserva 2017 exemplifies the Moroder family’s dedication to producing wines that capture the essence of Montepulciano, offering a distinctive and truly memorable tasting experience.