Ciu Ciu 'Bacchus' Rosso Piceno 2024

Tucked away on the Adriatic coast, Marche may not have Tuscany's fan base, but it's full of hidden gems - and Rosso Piceno is one of them. A blend of Montepulciano and Sangiovese, this is a bright, generous red made to be enjoyed young. Fermented and aged in stainless steel to keep things fresh, it's all about juicy, vibrant fruit. With rose petals on the nose, a burst of strawberries as you sip, and just a hint of spice to keep it interesting. The soft tannins add structure without getting in the way of its easygoing, fruit-forward style.

Slightly chilled, it's spot on with simple pasta dishes - think tomato, garlic, and herbs - or a board of cured meats like prosciutto. The juicy, bright fruit cuts through beautifully.

Ciù Ciù - pronounced choo-choo like a steam train - was the nickname of Giuseppe Bartolomei, the grandfather of brothers Massimiliano and Walter, who run Ciù Ciù Vini today. The winery is based near the town of Offida, in the rolling Piceno hills of central Italy’s Marche region, just a few kilometres from the Adriatic coast. Working with their organic vineyards, the Bartolomei brothers grow a wide range of grape varieties, with a commitment to producing wines that capture the essence of their region and showcase the distinctive qualities of their local terroir.