Contrada Contro revives ancient vineyards high in the Sibillini Mountains, between the picturesque villages of Gualdo and Sarnano. Founded on a mission to restore centuries-old, ungrafted vines planted above 550 meters, the estate embraces organic viticulture and non-interventionist methods. Here, amid the rugged mountain air and rocky soils, low yields and spontaneous fermentations become tools for revealing the full character of these historic plots. Every bottle reflects the philosophy that the vineyard is sovereign, coaxing out purity from vines that have quietly endured for generations.

The 2022 Vino di Sante, IGT Marche is a dazzling example of this approach. Named to honor the saintly and serene spirit of the mountains, the wine captures both the energy of the high-altitude terroir and the grace of minimalist winemaking. The grapes are hand-harvested, wild-fermented, and aged in neutral vessels to preserve freshness and transparency. In the glass, it opens with enticing aromas of white peach, orange blossom, and wild herbs, with underlying notes of crushed stone and cool mountain breeze.

The palate is vibrant and layered, offering orchard fruits, lemon zest, and a fine mineral thread that carries through to a long, elegant finish. A touch of salinity lingers, hinting at the elevation and exposure of the vineyards. Best enjoyed cool in a wide glass, the 2022 Vino di Sante shines with youthful vibrancy but holds the depth to evolve beautifully over 5-7 years. This wine embodies the soul of Contrada Contro—expressive, curious, and profoundly connected to the land from which it springs.