Introduction

Italian red wines have a way of capturing the heart with their character, history, and craftsmanship, and the Rosso Piceno Superiore San Basso is no exception. Hailing from the Marche region, this wine embodies a perfect balance of tradition and elegance, offering wine lovers a refined experience that combines regional authenticity with drinkability.

This review takes a deep dive into every aspect of the Rosso Piceno Superiore San Basso: the grapes, flavour, texture, bottle presentation, winemaking process, and of course, what foods it pairs best with. By the end, you’ll know exactly why this Italian red deserves a place in your collection.

The Region: Marche – Italy’s Undiscovered Gem

Marche, on Italy’s eastern coast along the Adriatic Sea, is one of the country’s lesser-known but most exciting wine regions. Unlike Tuscany or Piedmont, which dominate the spotlight, Marche is often described as an “undiscovered gem” for wine enthusiasts.

The Rosso Piceno Superiore classification specifically applies to wines made in a tightly defined zone in the southern part of Marche, around the provinces of Ascoli Piceno. Here, the unique terroir – with its clay and limestone soils, rolling hills, and Mediterranean climate – provides ideal conditions for red grapes to thrive.

This combination of coastal breezes and hillside vineyards creates wines that are fresh, structured, and bursting with character.

The Grapes: Montepulciano & Sangiovese

At the heart of Rosso Piceno Superiore lies a blend of Montepulciano and Sangiovese, two of Italy’s most respected grape varieties:

• Montepulciano – Known for producing deeply coloured, rich wines, Montepulciano adds structure, ripe dark fruit, and supple tannins. It forms the backbone of the blend, giving Rosso Piceno its depth.
• Sangiovese – Famous for its role in Chianti, Sangiovese brings freshness, red cherry notes, and lively acidity. It balances Montepulciano beautifully, ensuring the wine is elegant rather than overpowering.

Together, they create a harmony of bold fruit, lively energy, and smooth structure – exactly what makes Marche reds so appealing.

Winemaking & Ageing

The Rosso Piceno Superiore San Basso is carefully crafted to bring out the best of its grapes and terroir. After hand-harvesting, the grapes are fermented under controlled conditions to preserve freshness. The wine then undergoes a period of ageing in oak barrels, which adds depth, spice, and a touch of vanilla to the natural fruit-driven character.

This careful process ensures the final wine strikes a balance between vibrant fruitiness and refined complexity – a hallmark of the San Basso range.

Bottle & Presentation

The Rosso Piceno Superiore San Basso comes in a classic, elegant bottle that reflects its traditional Italian origins. The label design evokes authenticity and craftsmanship, making it an attractive addition to any wine rack or dinner table. It’s a bottle that looks as sophisticated as the wine it holds.

Tasting Notes – Flavour, Aroma & Texture

Appearance

In the glass, this wine presents a deep ruby red colour, with hints of garnet at the rim – a sign of its structure and ageing potential.

Aroma (Nose)

On the nose, it offers a generous bouquet of ripe cherries, blackberries, and plums, lifted by subtle floral notes of violet. Secondary aromas from oak ageing bring hints of spice, tobacco, and vanilla, adding complexity.

Palate (Taste)

On the palate, the Rosso Piceno Superiore San Basso is both bold and elegant. The Montepulciano provides juicy black fruit and richness, while the Sangiovese contributes lively acidity and red cherry brightness. Notes of leather, liquorice, and sweet spices linger on the finish.

• Body: Medium to full-bodied
• Tannins: Smooth but structured
• Acidity: Balanced, giving freshness and food-friendliness
• Finish: Long, refined, with echoes of fruit and spice

Texture

The texture is silky yet robust, making it a wine that can be enjoyed now but also has ageing potential for the next 3–5 years.

Food Pairing Suggestions

The balance of fruit, spice, and structure makes this wine highly versatile with food. Some excellent pairings include:

• Classic Italian dishes: Tagliatelle with ragù, lasagne, or aubergine parmigiana.
• Meat dishes: Roast lamb, beef stew, grilled pork chops.
• Cheese: Mature pecorino, Parmigiano Reggiano, or aged cheddar.
• Everyday dining: Pizza with cured meats, charcuterie boards, or simply enjoyed with good bread and olive oil.

The wine’s lively acidity cuts through rich dishes, while the tannins stand up well to meat and cheese.

Why It’s Worth Buying

• Authentic expression of Marche: A wine that brings one of Italy’s underrated regions to life.
• Balanced blend: The harmony between Montepulciano and Sangiovese ensures elegance and approachability.
• Food versatility: Works with both traditional Italian dishes and everyday meals.
• Value for money: Offers premium quality at a price that’s accessible to UK wine lovers.

For those looking to explore beyond Tuscany and Piedmont, this Rosso Piceno Superiore is an excellent entry into Marche wines.

Star Rating

⭐ 4.3 out of 5 stars

• Flavour & Aroma: 4.4/5 – Rich dark fruit with layered spice and floral notes.
• Texture & Body: 4.3/5 – Smooth, structured, and balanced.
• Versatility: 4.2/5 – A wine that pairs effortlessly with a wide range of foods.
• Overall Enjoyment: 4.3/5 – Elegant and satisfying, a standout from Marche.

Conclusion

The Rosso Piceno Superiore San Basso is more than just a red wine – it’s a story of place, tradition, and craftsmanship from Italy’s Marche region. With its blend of Montepulciano and Sangiovese, it offers a perfect balance of richness, freshness, and elegance, making it ideal for both special occasions and casual dining.

For UK wine lovers seeking something authentic yet approachable, this bottle is a rewarding choice that delivers a true taste of central Italy’s winemaking heritage.

👉 Available now at Donzella Wines, with UK delivery.