Rosso Piceno Superiore “San Basso” is a carefully crafted blend of equal parts Montepulciano and Sangiovese, originating from the rolling clay hills of Marche in central Italy. This combination captures the essence of the region’s terroir, marrying the robust structure of Montepulciano with the elegance and aromatic depth of Sangiovese.
Rosso Piceno Superiore “San Basso” – Crafted Red from Marche, Italy
Price range: £19.50 through £221.95
Additional information
| Weight | 1 kg |
|---|---|
| Bottle Quantity | 1, 6, 12 |
Rosso Piceno DOC Superiore “San Basso” hails from the rolling clay hills of Marche in central Italy, meticulously crafted by Tenuta Cocci Grifoni. A true expression of local terroir, this wine blends 50% Montepulciano and 50% Sangiovese to achieve a perfect harmony of structure, elegance, and aromatic depth.
Winemaking Craftsmanship
The vineyards, nestled 230–250 meters above sea level with south-west exposure, yield grapes that are hand-harvested in early October. Following gentle maceration, the wine is matured both in large Slavonian oak barrels and in concrete for 12 months, then aged in bottle for at least 4–6 months. This balanced regimen enriches complexity while preserving freshness and fruit purity.
Tasting Notes
- Visual: Deep garnet with bright reflections
- Nose: An enthralling bouquet of sour cherries, wild blackberries, violets, and a whisper of aromatic rosemary
- Palate: Generously structured yet graceful, with silky tannins, balanced acidity, and a savoury finish that lingers enticingly
Food Pairing
This elegant powerhouse pairs exquisitely with traditional UK favourites such as:
- Slow-roasted lamb or beef
- Game dishes like venison or rich ragù
- Aged cheeses like Parmesan or mature Cheddar
- Robust pasta dishes such as wild boar pappardelle or baked lasagne
Serving Suggestion
Best enjoyed at 18 °C, decanted for 20 minutes prior to serving to fully unveil its depth and aromatic layers.
Donzella Answers
What You Should Know About This Wine
Helpful insights on serving, pairing, and what to expect from the bottle in your glass.
After hand-harvesting the grapes in early October at vineyards about 230–250 meters above sea level, the wine undergoes a gentle maceration before maturing for 12 months in large Slavonian oak barrels and concrete vats. This careful ageing approach develops complex aromas—think sour cherries, wild blackberries, violets, and a hint of rosemary—while preserving fresh fruit purity. The palate is generously structured yet graceful, with silky tannins, balanced acidity, and a savoury, lingering finish.
This elegant, full-bodied red is ideal with robust, rustic fare. It pairs beautifully with slow-roasted lamb or beef, game dishes such as venison or rich ragù, aged cheeses like Parmesan or mature Cheddar, and hearty pasta dishes including wild boar pappardelle or baked lasagne. These pairings highlight the wine’s structure and savoury nuances.
Rosso Piceno has a deep-rooted history in Marche, where generations of winemakers have honed the balance between Montepulciano and Sangiovese to suit regional cuisine and terroir. The tradition of ageing in Slavonian oak alongside concrete tanks is a distinctive technique that enhances complexity while maintaining freshness, demonstrating a thoughtful blending of past and modern practices.