In the province of Ascoli Piceno in the southern part of Marche, is Il Conte Villa Prandone. Recently, Emmanuel De Angelis, proprietor, winemaker and sales manager, explained to an appreciative audience of American wine writers via Zoom, the history of the family’s estate, the nuances of a selection of wines (sent as samples) and the terroir from which the grape varieties are cultivated. I was virtually transported to the Adriatic coast of Italy as I sipped award winning wines and learned more.
Photo Credit: Il Conte Villa Prandone
The history of Il Conte Villa Prandone began in the 1950s near the village of Monteprandone where Amilcare De Angelis planted 7 hectares of vineyards. In 1988, Amilcare’s son Marino took the helm of the business and registered it under its current name. Marino’s three sons now work with him in a variety of management roles and continue the family legacy of “love for the countryside and passion for work in the vineyard and in the cellar.”
Currently, the estate has 50 hectares under vine, of which 20 hectares are leased. Soils are of clay and limestone and the unique microclimate reflects the land’s proximity to both ocean and mountains. The oldest vineyard is approximately 50 years old and the youngest is 3 years. Since 1988, the De Angelis family has been on the quest for the optimal balance between fruit elements and drinkability while maintaining each wines’ expression of terroir.
Soils are worked with low environmental impact viticulture techniques in order to the protect the sites and ensure quality of the wine in the bottle. Sustainability is taken seriously. In the vineyard, no synthetic chemical pesticides and herbicides are used. Likewise, in the winery, waste materials are reused and “a gradual conversion to self-consumption of electricity is followed due to the photovoltaic system.” Il Conte Villa Prandone collaborates with the University of Urbino to offer training programs for undergraduates and alumni so that knowledge of viticultural techniques and agronomic solutions are shared. The winery also hosts cultural initiatives, local artist exhibitions and food and wine events with chefs and producers. Emmanuel stated, “This land is where we live and we must conserve, protect, respect it.”
Photo Credit: Il Conte Villa Prandone
Grapes are “raised with care and the utmost respect for the territory” and clones of the old native vines have been kept. The production is enhanced by selecting only the best bunches during ripening. Varieties grown are Pecorino and Passerina for white wines and Montepulciano and Sangiovese for red wines. Small parcels of Merlot, Lacrima, Tannat, Trebbiano, Malvasia, Sauvignon and Chardonnay are cultivated, too.
About 250,000 bottles per year are produced and just this year, a new bottle shape and labels with a new logo have been introduced. The shield on the label is the original brand of the family and the three stars signify the “perfect combination of man, sky and land.” Emmanuel shared that “we respect tradition, yet we have an open mind. We want to produce wine for the world. We feel that the new labels reflect that.”
“Everyone knows Sangiovese! This is our best-selling wine made in the tradition of our grandfather and was aged for 6 months in concrete,” stated Emmanuel about Donello Marche Sangiovese IGP ($15). From the Linea Terra line, this easy drinking, fresh wine boasted an abundance of red fruit on the nose and palate, soft tannic structure and lively acidity. Enjoy with food… or sip on its own at sunset.
The following selections are from the winery’s Linea Premium portfolio. The first wine tasted was Navicchio Offida Pecorino DOCG ($15) from indigenous Pecorino vines aged for 8 months in concrete. I noted complex and concentrated florals on the nose and flavors of citrus, spice and marzipan on the palate. Bright acidity, salinity and elements of ocean breezes were memorable. Mouthwatering pairings? Try pasta with white sauce, salads and fresh seafood.
“This is an international style blend with 70% Montepulciano, 15% Sangiovese and 15% Merlot aged for 2 years in barrique,” shared Emmanuel. I found Zipolo Marche Rosso IGP ($24) elegant and balanced with red fruit and herbs on the nose and palate framed with moderate acidity and creamy tannins. It was suggested to open the wine for an hour before drinking or cellar after 2024 (if you can). For pairing, consider roasted pheasant or grilled beef shish kabobs.
A steal at only $20, Marinus Rosso Piceno Superiore DOP is 70% Montepulciano and 30% Sangiovese. Balanced and authentic with rustic notes of herbs, graphite, red fruit and pomegranate, the wine spent 1 year in oak barriques. Enjoy a few glasses with juicy burgers from the grill or braised and simmered game meat.
The flagship wine of Il Conte Villa Prandone is Lu Kont Marche Rosso IGP ($50) named after Amilcare, the winery’s founder who was called by the family “Lu Kont,” the word for “the count” in Marche dialect. Of 100% Montepulciano aged in oak barriques for about 15 months, 15 months in concrete and at least 6 months in the bottle, I found this full bodied, complex wine rife with anise and red berries. Emmanuelle suggested that the wine has the ability to age 30 years.
Cultivated in 25-year-old vineyards, IX Prandone Marche Merlot IGP ($80) is 100% Merlot aged for 15 months in oak barriques and 15 months in concrete. “This wine is our future,” stated Emmanuelle towards the end of our conversation. “We don’t bottle the vintage if it’s not of excellent quality.” Complex and sophisticated, intense aromas and flavors of ripe red berries, black cherries, blackberries and fresh violets were notable. Sip a glass of two with Italian cheeses or consider it a “meditation wine” at the end of the day.
Are you ready to visit Marche? Emmanuel remarked that the region “wants to be discovered with its beautiful landscapes of the sea, mountains and countryside. A trip to Marche would be very smart!” I agree. For more about Il Conte Villa Prandone, please click here.
Cheers! ~ Cindy
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