Garofoli, Rosso Conero (Marche, Italy) 2019

 The 2019 Garofoli Piancarda Rosso Conero is a bold and powerful red from Italy’s Adriatic coast.  Grown in limestone-rich white soils known as biancardo, it shows the best characteristics of the Montepulciano grape.  Blackish-ruby in color, it has a rich bouquet of black plum, blackberry and cherry fruits interwoven with floral and herbal nuances.  This concentrated and somewhat rustic expression of fruit elements is backed by subtleties of thyme and rosemary plus baking spice and vanilla tones imparted by barrel age.  The texture is rich and layered, making the Piancarda Rosso Conero a hedonistic tasting experience even in its youth, although it clearly has the capacity to age well.  This is an impressive red from an often overlooked Italian region.