Falloni Rosso Piceno – Organic
Winemaker Antonio Failoni is one of just three vine growers crafting wine in the Esino Rosso appellation, in the heart of the Marche. Named after the river that runs through this region of verdant, rolling hills, and ancient olive trees, this wine reveals the heartfelt connection between the land and this modest family estate.
While Antonio wasn’t born into a winemaking family, he knew early on that it was his true calling, inspired by the enticing aromas of fermenting grapes from a neighboring cantina when he was still young. He decided to realize his dream in the Marche after a family holiday, seduced by the region’s peaceful landscape, healthy vineyards, and ancient villages.
For some 25 years, Antonio has purchased land, plot by plot, in and around the medieval village of Staffolo. Cared for organically, his 50 acres – 10 acres of vines and 10 of 200-year-old olive trees, the rest wild countryside—benefit from a particular microclimate. Here the warming influence of the Adriatic Sea and the cool winds off the Apennine Mountains combine to create an ideal balance for grape growing.
Failoni wines are character-rich, speaking passionately and honestly about the Marche’s inspiring landscape and its native flavors.
Estate vineyards sit at 1,200 feet above sea level on a series of rolling hills and face south/southeast. Soils are mostly sandy, with veins of limestone. Antonio cares for both his vineyards and olive trees according to organic principles but is not officially certified.
The Rosso Piceno bottling is a blend of estate-grown Montepulciano (45%), Sangiovese (45%), and Merlot (10%) from 15+ year old vineyards. The grapes were hand-harvested. destemmed; fermented on indigenous yeasts in temperature-controlled tanks. Aged in stainless steel tank and in very large Slavonian casks (30,000 liters) for one year before bottling.
An easy-drinking wine that goes with many foods. Look for notes of red currant, wild strawberry, licorice. Fresh and juicy, with a spicy finish.