Exuding aromas of ripe black cherry and plum, the Monte Schiavo Sassaiolo Rosso presents a palate bursting with rich damson fruit and spicy notes. Structured by chewy tannins, the elegant finish is accented with a touch of black pepper. Ideal for pasta with savoury meaty sauce or pizza.

About the Producer

Since establishing their winery in Marche in 1976, the Pieralisi family have striven to create the very best from their vineyards. The family’s background was in olive oil manufacturing equipment, but they began to invest in agriculture and also purchased vineyards from the local co-operative. The 350 hectare estate now consists of around 103 ha of prime vineyard in and around Maiolati Spontini, Ancona, the heart of the classic production area of Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi – along with 48 ha of olive groves, 24 ha of walnut trees, and other agricultural land. The winery itself is set amongst some of their most prized plots, notably the 20 ha Colle del Sole vineyard.

Under the supervision of Gennaro Pieralisi and his son Andrea, production has progressed from its initial focus on the Verdicchio grape, to include a range of red wines from their own estate fruit (with the exception of their Rosso Conero, which is produced in collaboration with Alberto Serenelli). The success of their manufacturing business has allowed the family to invest heavily in the estate, providing state-of-the-art technology, and they have striven to improve quality and reduce yields.

The appointment of talented young winemaker Simone Schiaffino, and collaboration with renowned Italian winemaking consultant Carlo Ferrini since the 2015 vintage, has added a new depth and complexity to their portfolio. Carlo Ferrini has worked as a consultant with some of Italy’s top estates – to optimise clones, rootstocks, vine density and pruning – in order to create wines that are a true expression of the vineyard. At the same time Simone has revitalised the cellar and added an extra layer of vibrancy and expression to the wines, establishing Monte Schiavo as a producer of top quality, authentic wines.

Vineyard and Winery

The Marche is known world wide for its white wine but the region also makes some outstanding reds. Monte Schiavo's Rosso Piceno is a Superiore DOC wine made from a blend of 50% Sangiovese and 50% Montepulciano grapes. The grapes were cultivated in the Colle del Sole vineyard in Maiolati Spontini. The vineyards are at an altitude of 120 metres above sea level, with clay loam soil. The vines are Cordon trained and spur pruned. Hand-harvesting typically takes place in the middle of October, with average yields of around 9,000 kg per hectare. Traditional red wine vinification. Matured for 12 months in Slavonian oak botte.