Saladini Pilastri

Pale straw yellow in the glass with greenish reflections. Yellow pear, ripe lemon, camomile and a fine herbal flavour on the nose – typical of the autochthonous Pecorino. On the palate, the 2024 is lively and clearly structured: fresh acidity, salty minerality and a delicate creaminess on the finish. Certified organic and carefully vinified, this Pecorino from Falerio combines great expression with everyday suitability – a wine with character and charm. SUPERIORE.DE

Pecorino? You know it as sheep's milk cheese! Here in the Marche region, pecorino is above all an indigenous grape variety with a centuries-old tradition on the slopes of the Piceno Apennines. And what Saladini Pilastri makes from it is beautiful – organically vinified and with the character that makes this underrated region so special. The Saladini Pilastri organic winery cultivates four hectares of Pecorino vines in the municipalities of Spinetoli and Monteprandone, 150 metres above sea level. Here, on alluvial soils rich in gravel, they grow in an east-north-east orientation – perfect for the natural acidity and minerality that characterise this variety. 4,200 vines per hectare in the Guyot system, hand-picked in the first week of September when the grapes have reached their optimum balance.

History returns – also in wine: Passerina is a testament to the desire to bring back grape varieties of medieval origin, rich in a unique and delicate character. A very old variety that probably comes directly from wild vines and may have arrived in Italy as early as the 6th century. The name Passerina reveals a charming story: it is derived from the Italian "passero" – sparrow. The little birds loved the sweet berries so much that the grape variety was named after them. For centuries, it was an insider tip in the Marche region, mostly hidden in cuvées, until visionaries like Saladini Pilastri recognised it: This variety deserves a solo career.

"Foot of the meadow" – the name alone reveals that this vineyard is something special. Six hectares in Spinetoli, 120 metres above sea level, facing south-southwest on medium-heavy soils. Here, where the gentle hills of Piceno merge into fertile plains, the vines for one of the most consistent red wines in the Marche have been growing for over 30 years. 50% Montepulciano, 50% Sangiovese is the perfect Rosso-Piceno formula. Montepulciano provides the power and structure, Sangiovese the elegance and flavour. A liaison that has worked in the Marche region for centuries and which Saladini Pilastri has brought to organic perfection. 3,800 vines per hectare ensure the right concentration, and the grapes are hand-picked at the end of October when both varieties have reached optimum ripeness.

Here comes plenty of backbone and maturity: Montetinello comes from older vines on slopes near Monteprandone. Montepulciano and Sangiovese are vinified separately and matured for several months in large wooden barrels – a step that adds structure and complexity. Deep ruby red in the glass with a slight garnet hue. Dark cherry, wild berries, tobacco, laurel and a hint of cedar on the nose. Juicy on the palate, with ripe fruit, a noticeable, well-integrated tannin structure and a fine spicy finish. Balanced, warm and well-structured – a classic Rosso Piceno Superiore with sophistication and depth. SUPERIORE.DE

A wine with style and substance: Pregio del Conte combines Montepulciano and other local grape varieties from organic cultivation in the estate's best locations. The wine is matured partly in large wooden barrels and partly in barriques – a step that gives the wine depth and structure. Dense ruby red colour with a violet core in the glass. Blackcurrant, cherry, pipe tobacco, herbal spice and a hint of dark chocolate on the nose. Powerful but well-balanced on the palate: ripe tannins, dark fruit, finely dosed wood spice and an elegant length. Pregio del Conte is concentrated and harmonious, with a classic ageing profile and modern appeal – a wine with inner tension and beautiful versatility. SUPERIORE.DE

The single vineyard Monteprandone is the centrepiece of the winery – a south-west facing, organically cultivated plot on calcareous clay soil, which produces the most structured grapes on the estate year after year. Montepulciano and Sangiovese are selected here with great care and matured classically in large wooden barrels and barriques. The result is a Rosso Piceno Superiore with depth, nobility and a clear signature of origin.