Marches

DOC for dry red wine in the area around Ancona on the Adriatic coast in the Marches wine-growing region in Italy. The zone includes the communes of Ancona, Camerano, Castelfidardo, Numana, Offagna, Osimo and Sirolo in the province of Ancona. The name is derived from Monte Cònero (572 m) which lies to the south of Ancona. The vineyard area totals 600 hectares, located on sloping sites along the Adriatic coast. Wine has been produced here since ancient times. In his main work, the famous medical doctor and natural scientist Andrea Bacci (1524-1600) reports on the history of this wine. He states that Hannibal (247-183 BC), the Carthaginian leader, revived the tired horses of his army by giving them large quantities of Conero wine during his campaign against Rome. The wine has a long maturation potential, and is made from Montepulciano (85-100%) with the optional addition of Sangiovese (up to 15%). If it has been matured for two years and has a minimum alcohol content of 12,5% vol it may be called Rosso Conero Riserva – this has been classified as a DOCG since 2004.