Velenosi Il Brecciarolo Rosso Piceno 2021

The 2018 Rosso Piceno Brecciarolo is dusty and perfumed, mixing blackberries with dried flowers and hints of animal musk. This is silky-smooth and luxurious in feel, casting a polished display of mocha-tinged fruits across the palate. There’s an unexpected weight here, kept in check by lifting acidity and a hint of sour citrus, which paves the path to a note of tart woodland berries toward the close. While a bit shorter than anticipated, the Brecciarolo finishes fresh and classically dry, leaving only hints of licorice and spice to linger. This blend of 70% Montepulciano and 30% Sangiovese has a sheen of oak that dominates to a certain degree, yet it’s implemented quite nicely. (Eric Guido)